Another use for duct tape: Reduce hospital infections

[supernova]

Is there nothing duct tape can't do?

....

This latest use for the ubiquitous fabric-backed tape has been proven by the infection prevention team at Trinity Regional Health System in Iowa and Illinois.

No, the duct tape wasn't applied directly to any patients' wounds. Instead, bright red duct tape was placed in lines on the floor near the beds of patients with dangerous infections. The three-foot boxes showed doctors and other health-care providers where they should stand to communicate with patients without first donning personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves.

The results of the two-year study at Trinity were striking. They found that it increased the quality and frequency of health-care providers' interactions with patients, which make both hospital staff and patients happier. But it also saved time and money: an amazing 2,700 hours and $110,000 a year in supplies and personnel costs.

http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/another-use-for-duct-tape-reduce-hospital-infections

If this is true, it suggests that people waste time and resources because they don't know definitively how to interact with people who are grievously contagious.

[Warpy]

1. We always did that informally

Depending on the bug and the location, if we were just dropping off a med cup or hanging an IV, we wouldn't suit up. We just had to be very careful not to brush against any surfaces. We'd stand away from the bed and talk to the poor patient, who was usually feeling isolated and very lonely after the first couple of days.

I never caught a single thing from a patient. Co workers, though...

[madrchsod]

2. standard osha marking around dangerous areas in a factory

depending on the area 1-3 foot box marked with either yellow or red tape or paint

[GeorgeGist]

3. Bogus headline.

The REDUCTIONS reported were cost savings ...in hours and money.

Unrec'd for being misleading.

[RC]

4. Rec'd you unrec'd 'caused she fixed it.

[supernova]

5. It's the title of the article

not my writing.

The convention here is to use the title of the article.