A clinical study to evaluate the safe and effective use of a new, single use stethoscope cover to enable reduction in pathogen transmission during auscultation.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Stethoscopes carry a significant risk for pathogen transmission. Here, the safe use and performance of a new, non-sterile, single-use stethoscope cover (SC), that is impermeable for pathogens, was investigated by different healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the postoperative care setting of an intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Fifty-four patients underwent routine auscultations with the use of the SC (Stethoglove^®, Stethoglove GmbH, Hamburg, Germany). The participating HCPs (n = 34) rated each auscultation with the SC on a 5-point Likert scale. The mean ratings of acoustic quality and the SC handling were defined as primary and secondary performance endpoint.

Results

534 auscultations with the SC were performed (average 15.7/user) on the

SUBMITTER: Nazari-Shafti TZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10324409 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature