Study Makes Recommendations for Healthcare Workers with Dermatitis

April 18, 2012 | Strategic Insights for Health System

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Healthcare workers should seek early treatment for dermatitis and should be advised about the risk of bacterial colonization, according to the results of a study published online October 27, 2011, in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The study, which included a systematic review of 1,677 research papers, found that dermatitis is more likely to be colonized with microorganisms than normal skin; however, it found insufficient evidence to quantify the risk of transmission to patients. Based on this finding, the researchers recommend that work adjustments or redeployment be considered for clinicians with severe or acute dermatitis who work with patients at high risk of hospital-acquired infection. Adjustments can be reversed when skin lesions are no longer severe or acute.

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