https://doi.org/10.4081/mem.2017.501

(Est)etica delle infezioni correlate all'assistenza / (Est)ethics of infections related to assistance

Vol. 66 No. 4 (2017)
Submitted: October 11, 2017
Accepted: October 11, 2017
Published: October 11, 2017
infezioni correlate all’assistenza, prevenzione/precauzione, igiene delle mani, relazione / healthcare-associated infections, prevention/precaution, hand hygiene, relationship
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Authors

Massimiliano Colucci
massimiliano.colucci.mc@gmail.com
Direzione Sanitaria, Istituto Oncologico Veneto, Padova, Italy.
Le infezioni correlate all'assistenza sono un problema mondiale. Si possono prevenire attraverso programmi di igiene e abitudini corrette, come il lavaggio delle mani. Tra le cause ci sono probabilmente le unghie artificiali e gli anelli. Anche se manca un'evidenza definitiva per sostenere il divieto di indossarli durante la prassi assistenziale, in una condizione di incertezza, la migliore presa di posizione sul piano etico è di agire secondo precauzione. Inoltre, l'estetica può essere considerata un valore in sè, ma nell'ambiente sanitario le scelte estetiche non dovrebbero rappresentare un pericolo per il paziente. L'autonomia dei professionisti sanitari andrebbe perciò bilanciata coi principi di non-maleficenza e giustizia, in una prospettiva relazionale: è una questione di responsabilità verso i pazienti, i colleghi e la comunità. Infine, il professionista sanitario ha un suo specifico essere- in-relazione, che è la relazione di cura. Se un paziente affida se stesso a un professionista sanitario, un autentico valore estetico sta nell'impegno a non diminuirne le possibilità di esistenza. Bellezza, in questo caso, significa la migliore igiene delle mani.
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Healthcare-associated infections are a problem worldwide. They can be prevented through hygiene programs and good habits, like hand-washing. Among causes there are probably artificial fingernails and finger rings. Even if there is not a definitive evidence to support the prohibition to wear them during healthcare practice, in a condition of uncertainty the best ethical stance is to act according to precaution. Moreover, aesthetics may be considered as a value in itself, but in a healthcare setting aesthetical choices should not pose a threat to the patient. Therefore, health care professionals' autonomy should be balanced with non-maleficence and justice principles, in a relational perspective: it is a matter of responsibility towards patients, coworkers, and community as well. Finally, the healthcare professional has a proper being-in-relationship, that is the cure relationship. If a patient entrusts himself to a healthcare professional, an authentic aesthetic value may be the commitment to not decrease the possibilities of patients' existence. Beauty, in this case, means the best hand hygiene.

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How to Cite

Colucci, M. (2017). (Est)etica delle infezioni correlate all’assistenza / (Est)ethics of infections related to assistance. Medicina E Morale, 66(4), 457–473. https://doi.org/10.4081/mem.2017.501

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