The cell phone quandary

Abstract

Cell phones are used by almost everyone and have become an integral part of our daily life. They are an almost universal instrument for gathering and transmitting information. The amount of bacteria crawling on a typical cell phone has been a point of contention, although studies show that they contain at least 10 times the amount of bacteria found on most toilet seats. As medical workers in hospital and clinic settings, we use our cell phones extensively, for paging, texting, calling, and recreational activities; thus, the risk of contamination by pathogens is a legitimate issue. Cell phones in the operating room may give patients the impression that they are not the main priority or the center of care, in addition to being a potential source of infection. Cell phones also have been found to be the number-one productivity killer in workplaces, amongst a long list of other distractions. All workers must be fully aware of their Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance responsibilities and obligations, including the protection of health information, while using their cell phones at workplaces. On clinic or hospital grounds, reasonable diligence and strict adherence to cell phone policies may help us maintain greater safety, productivity, and professionalism, resulting in better service for our patients.

Keywords: Cell phone; Cross-contamination; Microbiological transmission; Patient privacy; Productivity; Protected health information (PHI).