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How to ask doctors and nurses to wash their hands
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You take your mom in for a follow up appointment after her operation, and the nurse starts removing the surgical dressing with unwashed hands.
The doctor begins to examine your partner's foot ulcer with unwashed, ungloved hands.
What do you do?
If you're like many people, you sit in stunned silence. Even though I'm a surgeon by training and a patient advocate, that's just what I did. Thank goodness my relative did not get an infection. Can you imagine the guilt?
Just as you know to call 911 when there is an emergency, you need to know what you would do if medical professionals begin an exam--either with you or with someone you love-- with unwashed hands.
- Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your lap. If the doctor or nurse forgets to wash, simply hand it over
- Say in a funny voice "Wash, please."
- Ask, "Would you prefer to wash your hands or wear gloves?"
This is not easy. It might be embarrassing, not because you're embarrassed but because the doctors and nurses who should know better will be embarrassed. Embarrassment will pass in a minute; infections will impact your life for a long time.
Vicki Rackner MD, founder of The Caregiver Club, works with people caring for others who want to avoid burnout, speak up with the doctor and stretch health care dollars. Reach her at DrVicki@TheCaregiverClub.com or 425 451-3777.
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