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Persistent Value of the Stethoscope in the Age of COVID-19.
Vasudevan, Rajiv S; Horiuchi, Yu; Torriani, Francesca J; Cotter, Bruno; Maisel, Sofie M; Dadwal, Sanjeet S; Gaynes, Robert; Maisel, Alan S.
  • Vasudevan RS; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla. Electronic address: rvasudev@health.ucsd.edu.
  • Horiuchi Y; Division of Cardiology, Mitsui Memorial Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
  • Torriani FJ; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla; Division of Infectious Diseases.
  • Cotter B; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla.
  • Maisel SM; University of California Berkeley.
  • Dadwal SS; Division of Infectious Diseases, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, Calif.
  • Gaynes R; Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga.
  • Maisel AS; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla.
Am J Med ; 133(10): 1143-1150, 2020 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-612226
ABSTRACT
The stethoscope has long been at the center of patient care, as well as a symbol of the physician-patient relationship. While advancements in other diagnostic modalities have allowed for more efficient and accurate diagnosis, the stethoscope has evolved in parallel to address the needs of the modern era of medicine. These advancements include sound visualization, ambient noise reduction/cancellation, Bluetooth (Bluetooth SIG Inc, Kirkland, Wash) transmission, and computer algorithm diagnostic support. However, despite these advancements, the ever-changing climate of infection prevention, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led many to question the stethoscope as a vector for infectious diseases. Stethoscopes have been reported to harbor bacteria with contamination levels comparable with a physician's hand. Although disinfection is recommended, stethoscope hygiene compliance remains low. In addition, disinfectants may not be completely effective in eliminating microorganisms. Despite these risks, the growing technological integration with the stethoscope continues to make it a highly valuable tool. Rather than casting our valuable tool and symbol of medicine aside, we must create and implement an effective method of stethoscope hygiene to keep patients safe.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Coronavirus Infections / Stethoscopes Type of study: Diagnostic study / Prognostic study Topics: Long Covid Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Am J Med Year: 2020 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Coronavirus Infections / Stethoscopes Type of study: Diagnostic study / Prognostic study Topics: Long Covid Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Am J Med Year: 2020 Document Type: Article