Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Watches
To comply with the ‘ bare below the elbows ’ protocol and reduce hospital-acquired infections , healthcare workers have adopted the use of fob watches ( Figure 4 ) rather than wristwatches . Wristwatches have been associated with higher bacterial counts around the wrist area only ; however , as bacteria are easily transferred when an item is touched , wristwatches are considered an infection risk [ 17 ] .
Interestingly , a 2010 study indicated that although a switch from wristwatches to fob watches allows a greater level of hand hygiene , it is actually the touching of the watch that causes a risk of crosscontamination , and this happens more often with fob watches than wristwatches [ 17 ] . It is therefore imperative that hand hygiene is carried out to a high standard and that all ‘ touchable ’ items are sanitised between patients and not touched once hand hygiene has been completed .
Another cause for concern is losing an item of jewellery , which does happen and often when least expected [ 16 ] . While removing and reinserting facial / ear jewellery can be inconvenient , it is important to understand the risks associated with jewellery being dislodged and causing medical and surgical complications [ 19 ] . It is possible for jewellery to be removed safely , and for the piercing site to be preserved and covered for the necessary duration .
Other jewellery
Some veterinary practices do not allow their staff to wear long necklaces , because they could come into contact with the animals , causing safety concerns for both the animal and wearer , as well as posing infection control concerns [ 10 ] .
In human medicine , once patients are informed about the ability of pathogens to be transmitted via fomites such as clothing and jewellery , they express a preference about the physical appearance of the professionals around them [ 8 ] .
Our patients are unable to make this choice , but if their owners were aware of this matter , it is likely that they would prefer their animals to be cared for by veterinary professionals who are not wearing jewellery or nail art .
Conclusions
In addition to policies and education on this topic , good role models are needed in practices , who can conduct appropriate hand hygiene , present themselves professionally and visually indicate to others that they are aware of the concerns around contamination , infection control and sustainability .
Practices need to ensure that associated protocols are in place and are followed by all members of the team , and educators need to model and teach the most appropriate ways of behaving in practice .
Figure 4 . Even fob watches can present a risk of infection transmission .
Facial / ear jewellery
Unfortunately , facial jewellery also poses a risk of crosscontamination from the piercing site to fingers , similar to touching a door handle or mobile phone [ 18 ] . It is also important to remember that any contaminants from an animal could be transferred to the item in question and therefore to the staff member [ 16 ] .
Wearing jewellery or nail art does not mean a VN is unable to complete their duties professionally , but while doing so , priority should be given to infection transmission control over personal appearance , to abide by the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct .
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank the veterinary nursing team at Bristol Veterinary School and the clinical governance manager at Langford Vets .
Volume 40 ( 2 ) • April 2025
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