Keywords

ESBL, latex exposure, latex sensitivity, NICU, standard precautioning

 

Authors

  1. Giramonti, Karla M. RN, BSN
  2. Johnson-Robbins, Lauren A. MD
  3. Weatherwax, Donna L. RN, CIC
  4. Horgan, Michael J. MD

Abstract

Change in medical practice is usually made to solve immediate problems. The continued use of these changes should then be reevaluated. Following an outbreak of K. oxytoca in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), glove use for all patient contact was mandated. We evaluated the need for continued glove use after resolution of the outbreak. No change in colonization patterns was seen after returning to standard precautions, and, as a secondary benefit, financial savings resulting from decreased glove use was realized. Followin implementation of any practice change, routine reevaluation will help to determine when that change is no longer needed or beneficial.