Nurses prefer single-use washing and toileting utensils, survey finds

Single-use utensils for washing and toileting patients are more hygienic and save time, a survey of more than 1,000 nurses has found. 

The respondents worked at National University Hospital in Singapore, which had converted from using reusable plastic receptacles to a single-use system. 

The utensils, made from renewable natural fibres, are placed in disposal machines and broken down into a slurry that can flow into drains.

Nurses were surveyed about their views on the previous reusable receptacles and the new disposable ones, which they had been using for 11 months. 

They reported that the disposable items were more hygienic and easier to use, and said the previous reusable utensils were less efficient and more likely to cause infections. 

The authors of the study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, said: ‘Our survey confirms the single-use disposable receptacles were perceived by nurse users as superior to reusable receptacles in all areas assessed.’

The study is available here.