Cleaning of Cell Phones in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Problem: Mobile devices are known to harbor bacteria and viruses. Since these devices, including cell phones, are now more common in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), it can be postulated that thorough cleaning of these devices may help protect immunocompromised neonates. This project explored whether improvement can be achieved in the routine cleaning of cell phones among providers and families in the NICU, and whether a cleaning method using antibacterial wipes and UV-C light were effective. Methods: Participants included parents, visitors and health care workers entering or working in a community-based level three NICU in Orem, Utah. A survey assessing cleaning practices, attitudes and barriers to cell phone cleaning was developed. The survey was administered and culture swabs of cell phones were taken prior to educational intervention for the staff. Educational materials were developed, including a PowerPoint presentation and video of the correct cleaning procedure. These addressed knowledge deficits and barriers identified in the initial survey. Surveys were administered and swabs of cell phones were obtained again two weeks after the intervention was completed. Results: A total of 50 surveys and 15 swabs were obtained pre- and post-educational intervention. Comparison between surveys showed improvement in the number of people who had changed their cell phone cleaning habits 62% vs 84% (p=0.009), but not in the number who cleaned their cell phone daily 38% vs 44% (p=0.685). One hundred percent of cell phones swabbed prior to educational intervention had bacterial contamination, while only 67% showed bacterial contamination post intervention (p=0.042). Conclusion: Decreased bacterial contamination indicated that the cleaning procedure was effective. Although cleaning frequency was not improved by the educational intervention, bacterial load and pathogenic organisms were significantly reduced on cleaned cell phones. Instituting a comprehensive cell phone cleaning program may reduce infectious exposure to NICU patients.