PROFESSIONNeckwear as germ-spreader? More than a stain on your tieA new study provides a good lesson in cleanliness and could be a boon for the sale of tie clips and bow ties.By Damon Adams, AMNews staff. June 21, 2004. Neckties are worn by many physicians to achieve a look of professionalism. But new research shows they carry bacteria that can cause disease. Researchers found that neckties donned by doctors at a Queens, N.Y., hospital were nesting spots for germs. Past research had pointed the finger at stethoscopes, pens and white coats as germ carriers as well. With ties now on the hook, some physicians predict a slight loosening of the profession's attire. "My prediction is there will be a number of physicians who will stop wearing ties based upon this. Older physicians will still wear ties," said Lawrence Brandt, MD, chief of gastroenterology at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, N.Y. "If physicians dry-cleaned their ties frequently, that would probably help. But most people don't do that." Dr. Brandt is among those physicians who believe professional attire inspires trust and projects competence. He studied 31 articles on physician attire and concluded in a June 9, 2003, Archives of Internal Medicine article that patients want their doctors to dress professionally, preferably in a white coat with a name tag. But Dr. Brandt cited one study that found Staphylococcus aureus in about 30 of 100 physician white coats in a hospital. He said that although the possibility of cross-contamination from white coats was not strong, it might be wise not to wear some garments worn during patient examinations in nonclinical areas such as the cafeteria. Dr. Brandt wasn't surprised by the New York necktie research. He prefers a bow tie, although not for sanitary reasons. With the new findings, he sees more support for his choice. "It may be less infectious than a necktie," he said, adding bow ties and tie clips may help cut down bacteria transfer. [...]Full text of AMNews content is available to AMA members and paid subscribers.
Copyright 2004 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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