IADR Abstract Archives
Mobile Phone Hygiene Practices in Healthcare Settings During the COVID Pandemic: a Mapping Review
Objectives: Aim: To map out evidence related to knowledge, attitude and practices of healthcare workers regarding mobile phone hygiene practices in a healthcare setting during the COVID pandemic. Objectives include mapping out evidence related to the aim, identifying gaps and with evidence, develop a standardised protocol for mobile phone disinfection practices for healthcare settings.
Methods: A comprehensive search in different scientific databases including health organization websites and platforms was conducted for all types of studies focusing on knowledge and attitudes of mobile phone hygiene practices in healthcare settings for the period January 2019 to July 2021. The outcomes for the review include:
Primary: Mobile phone knowledge, attitudes and hygiene practices;
Secondary: Types of surface hygiene materials/ surface disinfectants used on mobile phones and/or procedures or protocols for mobile phone disinfection.
Results: Ten articles were obtained following criteria set for inclusion using a 3-step screening process (titles, abstracts and full text) for eligibility and a final number of eight articles were included. Data were meticulously extracted which focused on the outcomes set for this review by the two reviewers independently. Only 2 articles looked at knowledge and attitude, but most reviewed mobile phone hygiene practices. Healthcare workers were aware of cross-contamination but disinfection was not often. Females disinfected mobile phones more frequently and related hand-hygiene was highlighted. Different disinfectants are advised such as 70% alcohol-based solutions and mediums includes wipes/ swabs. Phone coverings (including cling wrap) and UV light disinfection are alternatives although limited mobile phone use in health care settings is advised.
Conclusions: During this unprecedented pandemic, mobile phone research was not a priority. Available evidence suggests the need for disinfection protocols of mobile phones in healthcare settings.
Methods: A comprehensive search in different scientific databases including health organization websites and platforms was conducted for all types of studies focusing on knowledge and attitudes of mobile phone hygiene practices in healthcare settings for the period January 2019 to July 2021. The outcomes for the review include:
Primary: Mobile phone knowledge, attitudes and hygiene practices;
Secondary: Types of surface hygiene materials/ surface disinfectants used on mobile phones and/or procedures or protocols for mobile phone disinfection.
Results: Ten articles were obtained following criteria set for inclusion using a 3-step screening process (titles, abstracts and full text) for eligibility and a final number of eight articles were included. Data were meticulously extracted which focused on the outcomes set for this review by the two reviewers independently. Only 2 articles looked at knowledge and attitude, but most reviewed mobile phone hygiene practices. Healthcare workers were aware of cross-contamination but disinfection was not often. Females disinfected mobile phones more frequently and related hand-hygiene was highlighted. Different disinfectants are advised such as 70% alcohol-based solutions and mediums includes wipes/ swabs. Phone coverings (including cling wrap) and UV light disinfection are alternatives although limited mobile phone use in health care settings is advised.
Conclusions: During this unprecedented pandemic, mobile phone research was not a priority. Available evidence suggests the need for disinfection protocols of mobile phones in healthcare settings.