5 phone commandments healthcare professionals should have in mind when using their cell phones during working shifts.

Phones are often used by healthcare professionals and practices for fast and accurate communication within hospitals. However, concerns have been increased about the use of these devices in hospitals, as they can be used everywhere, even in toilets.

Nowadays, it is more than usual to see healthcare professionals checking their mobile phones during their working day, but do they use them well? 

There are the 5 commandments to make the most of this powerful tool in the right place and moment.

1. You will wash your hands of all things

Hand washing has been shown over the years as one of the simplest, cheapest and most effective measures to prevent nosocomial infections. This practice is more than usual in our daily routine and, of course, you should wash your hands before and after handling your mobile phone 

A study conducted by ScienceDirect found that 90% of cell phones of healthcare workers were contaminated with microorganisms and > 14% of them carried pathogenic bacteria that commonly cause nosocomial infections, so basically, phones can act as transmission vehicles for both pathogenic and nonpathogenic organisms.

It is important to increase awareness of hand hygiene and frequent decontamination of mobile devices, to decrease the risk of cross-contamination by these devices in clinical settings. 

2. You will not take your cell phone in vain

Phones have proven themself to be a great tool. In fact, today we use it for almost everything, except for talking on the phone. GPS, weather forecast, social media, etc … are some of the many utilities we give you throughout the day. 

But it has been shown that it can be a great distractor when it comes to developing our work (3). 

This is why it is important:

• Disable notifications during the working day.
• Leave the phone in silence. (If necessary, you can activate the airplane mode.)
• Do not consult the mobile phone when you are preparing medication, writing a treatment, visiting or in the patient’s room, or any other situation that requires maximum concentration.

Maybe you should consider creating mobile-free zones within the unit where it is forbidden to use these to avoid distractions.

Prevent your cell phone from distracting you from what’s really important.

3. You will disinfect your mobile phone

Have you ever passed a handkerchief with disinfectant to your smartphone? Well, you should. These are some of the bacteria and fungi that swarm in our phones.

It is important that before using a product for disinfection, to make sure that it does not damage the materials of your smartphone.

4. You won’t steal (your coworkers’ charger)

There has come a time when everyone is desperate for a plug to connect their charger. Unfortunately, today’s batteries do not last as long as we would like. Make sure you carry your own charger (and disinfect it from time to time just like your mobile phone).

It is also essential to leave the phone charging in a safe area, away from the “friends of the stranger” outside any “mobile free” area.

Leave your phone charging in a safe place where, if you consult it, it cannot distract you (for example in the staff room).

5. You will honor the Apps that make your job easier

Nowadays there are innumerable apps that can facilitate the work to us both doctors, nurses, and patients themselves. It is important to know some of them and above all, to know where we can find trusted Apps.

You can check this article we wrote before about useful tips and apps if you work in medical practice.

Even though phones and technology are here to make our life easier, we shouldn’t forget that as healthcare professionals we should be 100% focus on patients during working hours. If you have more tips to share with us please leave them in the comments.

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