Areas for Future Research
Determine the role played by HCP attire in the horizontal transmission of nosocomial pathogens and its impact on the burden of HAIs.
Evaluate the impact of antimicrobial fabrics on the bacterial burden of HCP attire, horizontal transmission of pathogens, and HAIs. Concomitantly, a cost-benefit analysis should be conducted to determine the financial merit of this approach.
Establish the effect of a BBE policy on both the horizontal transmission of nosocomial pathogens and the incidence of HAIs.
Explore the behavioral determinants of laundering practices among HCP regarding different apparel and examine potential interventions to decrease barriers and improve compliance with laundering.
Examine the impact of not wearing white coats on patients' and colleagues' perceptions of professionalism on the basis of HCP variables (eg, gender, age).
Evaluate the impact of compliance with hand hygiene and standard precautions on contamination of HCP apparel.