RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Losing Touch in the Era of Superbugs?
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 461
OP 463
DO 10.1370/afm.1164
VO 8
IS 5
A1 Hass, Leif
YR 2010
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/8/5/461.abstract
AB Nosocomial infections are increasingly multidrug resistant and at times more virulent. As such, they pose real threats to patients and clinicians. In this essay the author discusses his own methacillin-resistant staphylococcus infection and how it has affected his work in the hospital. In so doing, he reflects on the value of touch in the doctor-patient relationship. In particular, he discusses how gloves serve as a barrier to infection but also create a small distance between the doctors and their patients. The implications of contact precautions must be considered as we reflect on balancing patient-centered care with infection control.