Smartphone usage in neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Introduction: Mobile Phone (MP) has become an integral part of life in this modern era. In clinical practice it is used for various several other reasons apart from communication. As, it is a potential source of infection, it use should be optimized. Objectives: This study was done to determine the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of MP usage and disinfection among the healthcare workers (HCW) in neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study subjects were doctors and paramedical staff. They were interviewed using a structured pretested questionnaire in three domains, knowledge (12), attitude (11), and practice (17). The response was assessed against either for predefined answers and expressed as percentages. Results: A total number of 54 HCW were interviewed. Among knowledge domain, most of HCW (>80%) were aware of various aspects about role of MP in infection transmission; however, the response was lesser when it came to optimum technique of disinfection. In the domain of attitude, most of subjects agreed that the MP use should be reduced and it should be disinfected but there were concerns regarding damage with repeated infections. Routine disinfection of MP was being done in 75% of cases and almost half were doing it more frequently post Coronavirus pandemic. For practice aspect, alcohol swabs were most commonly used for disinfection and physical barrier was also being used in 45% of cases. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitude about role of MP in infection among HCW is good. However, there is scope for improving practices in terms of correct method of disinfection, reducing, balancing, and optimizing its use.