Medical Malpractice Law Firm
Pritzker Olsen Attorneys Medical Malpractice Blog

Pritzker Olsen attorneys have appeared on CBS News, Fox news, and numerous local television stations throughout the country. They have recovered millions for medical malpractice victims and their families. To contact our law firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.

Does Handwashing with Gel in Hospitals Prevent Infection

It has long been thought proficient hand-washing in hospitals was the most important aspect to controlling the spread of infection. It is also common practice for doctors and nurses in a hurry to use alcohol-based hand gels rather than conventional soap and water. Dr. Mark Rupp at the University of Nebraska Medical Center put these practices to the test.

Rupp observed hygiene practices in two intensive care units over two years to compile his data. According to The New York Times:
More gel dispensers were put in the units, and usage rose from 37 percent to 68 percent in one unit and from 38 percent to 69 percent in the other. Compliance for hand washing of any kind in most hospitals is estimated to be about 40 percent, according to experts, although some hospitals do better.
Bacteria samples taken every two months showed that health workers’ hands were cleaner when using the hand gel. However, the rates of infections in the ICUs did not show any clear relationship with the rate of hand gel usage. One unit also showed an increase in infections.

Rupp stated that better hand washing does not play a large enough role to cut down on infection. He said, “Hand hygiene is still important, but it’s not a panacea.” Rupp suggest other ways to help cut down on infection, including a better cleaning of hospital units, proper insertion and maintenance of catheters, and having doctors only prescribe antibiotics when necessary. He also called for hospital workers to cease wearing rings and to trim fingernails shorter than CDC recommendations (quarter of an inch).

Labels:

Pritzker Olsen attorneys have appeared on national television and have been quoted by national publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press and Lawyers USA. Attorneys Fred Pritzker, Elliot Olsen and Eric Hageman have been named "Super Lawyers" by Law and Politics magazine (2008 and previous years). Attorney Fred Pritzker is also listed in the current edition (2008) of The Best Lawyers in America. To contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit the firm's free consultation form.

Free Case Consultation





Logos

Medical Malpractice Topics

Pharmacy Error Settlement

Our law firm recently negotiated a settlement for the family of a woman who was given ten times the prescribed dose of cochicine.

 

$950,000 Recovery for Failure to Diagnose Septic Arthritis

Attorneys Fred Pritzker and Elliot Olsen recently secured a $950,000 recovery on behalf of a young man who developed septic arthritis eight days following knee surgery.

 

Heart Lead Extraction Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

Pritzker | Olsen attorneys are representing patients and their families nationwide in product liability and medical malpractice cases involving defective Medtronic Sprint Fideles defibrillator leads. Several patients have died during surgery to remove the defective Medtronic lead.

 

Dental Malpractice: Oral Surgery and Burn Injuries

The FDA has recently stated that poorly-maintained dental equipment has resulted in severe burns. These cases could involve both dental malpractice and product liability claims.

 

Hospital Malpractice Lawsuits

Hospital malpractice includes any type of medical negligence that occurs in a hospital setting, including errors by doctors, nurses, technicians and other hospital staff.

 

Neurosurgery Errors

Surgical errors are common and can lead to serious injury or death. In an article in the medical journal Neurosurgery that reported on a study of 1108 elective neurosurgical procedures, a neurosurgeon recorded 2684 errors in 87.1% of the cases. 22.6% of the errors were considered major. 78.5% of the errors were deemed preventable.

 

This is attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The result of each case is determined by the specific facts and the applicable law.