171538 An education campaign to increase hand and table sanitizing among chirorpactic interns

Monday, October 27, 2008: 2:45 PM

Marion Willard Evans, DC, PhD, CHES , Cleveland Chiropractic College, Overland Park, KS
Michael Ramcharan, DC , Clinic, Cleveland Chiropractic College, Overland Park, KS
Gary Globe, DC, MBA, PhD , Provost and Academic Dean, Cleveland Chiropractic College Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Rod Floyd, DC, MSPH , Clinical Services, Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida, Port Orange, FL
James W. Brantingham, DC, PhD , Department of Research, Cleveland Chiropractic College Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Mark Pfefer, MS, RN, DC , Cleveland Chiropractic College, Overland Park, KS
Harrison T. Ndetan, BSc, MSc, MPH, DrPH , Research Institute, Parker College of Chiropractic, Dallas, TX
Glen Jukes, DC , Department of Research, Cleveland Chiropractic College Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
     
Abstract: An educational campaign to increase hand and table sanitizing among chiropractic interns.

Currently there are at least three studies that have detected pathogenic microbes on treatment table surfaces in chiropractic teaching clinics. Another has detected allergens and molds as well. The purpose of this study was to pre and post test interns at three chiropractic campuses as to their attitudes and beliefs about hand and table sanitizing and observe and record their actions in technique classes regarding these behaviors. The post-survey and post-observation has been separated by an education campaign that employed use of health behavioral theory to educate and reinforce an increase in hand and table sanitizing behaviors. Posters, lapel buttons, a Power Point education campaign for staff and interns and a request to make it policy in palpation classes and clinics were a part of the education campaign.

The study is in the implementation phase at all three campuses. Pre-tests surveys and observations have been performed and posttest is set for no later than May of 2008. This platform presentation would report on the impact of this campaign and make comparisons at all three locations though statistical analysis of pre and post data.

Learning Objectives:
- recognize the need for proper assessment of hand and table sanitizing behaviors in chiropractic teaching institutions -identify and develop specific means of delivering successful hand and table sanitizing education campaigns -Discuss perspectives on how to articulate current practices of hand and table sanitizing at typical chiropractic teaching institutions and relay needs to students and practitioners as well

Keywords: Health Education, Infectious Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an APHA member and the principal investigator on the project and have no conflicts of interests regarding the research
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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