The most recent hand-washing study mentioned at the end of this podcast was published in the Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management. In this study, the effect of hand-washing as a way to prevent the spread of methicillin-resistant Stapholococcus aureus (MRSA) in a hospital was studied. Over a 3-year period, hospital-transmitted cases of MRSA declined by a significant 49%, even though the number of patients admitted with the bacteria increased during that same period. However, in order to ensure compliance, the researchers had to develop what amounted to a hand-washing police force, individuals who would constantly remind the medical staff to wash their hands before leaving a patient’s room.
The good news is that this approach worked, at least in this hospital and maybe because MRSA has become such a serious problem. In some similar programs in the past, either the staff resisted from the get-go or went back to their old habits once the study ended. As with dogs and cats, it’s a lot easier to teach humans the basics when they’re young!
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Dr. Myrna,
All I can say is that this has to be one of the best podcasts I’ve heard, EVER. And the solution is really that simple.
Animals are living things NOT “things” for our agendas. Thank you for saying what we all need to hear and heed.
I meant “living BEINGS” not “things” lol
all myrna’s podcasts lately have touched on issues that aren’t the kind of topics most people want to hear, they just don’t fit the warm fuzzy mold that seems to be more appealing. It’s more appealing for many to think of spoiling their pet with superfical things, rather than consider what the pet really wants or needs.
thanks to myrna i’m not nearly as bothered when i suggest the same problems, problem is it doesn’t always earn you the favor of those who prey on peoples emotions instead of how can we educate people.