New Clinic Rule

[bette1]

I went into diaysis today and they posted that they want all patient to wash their arm before treatment.  Apparently there is some evidence that this will prevent infection in patients who use a buttonhole.  No problem for me, but what about all the patients in wheelchairs or using canes and walkers?  I swear these people don't think about the patients when they make these rules.   

Has anyone else heard about this?  Is this just in my clinic?

[Loretta]

I havenot heard of that.

[Meinuk]

Everyone should wash their arms.  It is universal precaution.  (really common when I was working in medicine in the 1980 during the AIDS Scare - sadly, not so common now...)

The world is in a tizzy over the Swine Flu - but really, it is best if you wash your arm, and your hands - often.

My former clinic was closed fro Hep C. infections.  A simple hand washing can prevent so much.  If your unit is implementing it, it is for your benefit.

[Inara]

We implemented this precaution years ago at my unit.  Those who aren't physically able to do so have their access washed by the staff. 

[petey]

When Marvin was in-center, this was a "rule" at his clinic, too.  The hand (or arm) washing sink was right by the scale at the front door.  Though it was a rule, Marvin was the ONLY patient who washed his access arm every time he went in.  He saw the sign and thought, "It's a rule, so I should do it."  We think it was a good habit for him to start, and he still does it now that we're on home hemo.  Heck, it can't hurt!

[Chris]

My center had me do that when I started in 1999 and the staff washed those who could not at the sink. If the clinic is going to be accessible for wheelchair use, then they should have a wheelchair accessible sink.

[RichardMEL]

When Marvin was in-center, this was a "rule" at his clinic, too.  The hand (or arm) washing sink was right by the scale at the front door.  Though it was a rule, Marvin was the ONLY patient who washed his access arm every time he went in.  He saw the sign and thought, "It's a rule, so I should do it."  We think it was a good habit for him to start, and he still does it now that we're on home hemo.  Heck, it can't hurt!

Yes, very similar for us - it's a rule in our clinc and has been ever since I started over 3 years ago. I also think I'm one of the few who  actually wash my fistula/access when I arrive. Oh no wait now I think about it there's one or two others that do.. but the staff don't really enforce it. I think because they "wash" the area with alcohol wipes prior to needling that they consider that to be "cleaned"

[Zach]

That's SOP (standard operating procedure).
And good aseptic technique.

[kitkatz]

They tell me it is standard procedure to wash before sticking with a needle.

[hurlock1]

I went into diaysis today and they posted that they want all patient to wash their arm before treatment.  Apparently there is some evidence that this will prevent infection in patients who use a buttonhole.  No problem for me, but what about all the patients in wheelchairs or using canes and walkers?  I swear these people don't think about the patients when they make these rules.   

Has anyone else heard about this?  Is this just in my clinic?

They tried that in my clinic.. I went over to the sink and washed my arm. One time. they'd asked and I did it. but after that, I just went over and sat in my chair. When asked why I didn't do it I just said "if I die, I die." I can barely make it to the chair to drop my bag off, go to the scale, and come back to the scale. Then I have to arrange my pillows so I don't have an extreme back ache when I leave. If  they don't come over then, they won't even get a standing blood pressure.

[monrein]

I always washed my arm very thoroughly, before getting in my chair and I also used alcohol swabs and I used different small sterile needles to remove the buttonhole scabs before sticking.  Very worthwhile step to avoid infection in my opinion.