A 504-bed Midwestern health system saved up to 2,700 hours and $110,000 a year by creating a “Red Box” safe zone, a three-foot square of red duct tape extending from the threshold of the door, to facilitate communication with patients on isolation or "contact precautions," according to a news release from the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
The health system's research was presented at APIC's 38th Annual Educational Conference and International Meeting. Typically, healthcare professionals must wear personal protective equipment before entering an isolated patient's room before any type of communication. Dressing in gowns and gloves before each interaction is time-consuming, costly and creates communication barriers with patients.
A majority of healthcare professionals said the Red Box eased communication barriers with isolated patients and saved time in not having to put on and remove protective equipment. The Red Box also served as an additional visual cue to remind healthcare professionals that they are entering an isolation room.
Read the news release about the Red Box strategy (pdf).
Related Articles on Contact Precautions:
Study: Hospital Employees Display Positive Perceptions Toward MRSA Screening Mandates
10 Steps for Preventing C. Diff Outbreaks
"Active Surveillance," Barrier Precautions Not as Effective in Reducing MRSA, VRE
The health system's research was presented at APIC's 38th Annual Educational Conference and International Meeting. Typically, healthcare professionals must wear personal protective equipment before entering an isolated patient's room before any type of communication. Dressing in gowns and gloves before each interaction is time-consuming, costly and creates communication barriers with patients.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
A majority of healthcare professionals said the Red Box eased communication barriers with isolated patients and saved time in not having to put on and remove protective equipment. The Red Box also served as an additional visual cue to remind healthcare professionals that they are entering an isolation room.
Read the news release about the Red Box strategy (pdf).
Related Articles on Contact Precautions:
Study: Hospital Employees Display Positive Perceptions Toward MRSA Screening Mandates
10 Steps for Preventing C. Diff Outbreaks
"Active Surveillance," Barrier Precautions Not as Effective in Reducing MRSA, VRE
