A clinical study to evaluate the safe and effective use of Stethoglove, a single use stethoscope cover to reduce pathogen transmission during auscultation

ObjectivesStethoscopes carry a significant risk for pathogen transmission. Here, the safe use and performance of Stethoglove(R), a non-sterile, single-use cover for stethoscopes, that is impermeable for pathogens, was investigated by different healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the postoperative care setting of an intensive care unit (ICU). MethodsFifty-four patients underwent routine auscultations with the use of Stethoglove(R). The participating HCPs (n=34) rated each auscultation with Stethoglove(R) on a 5-point Likert scale. The mean ratings of acoustic quality and Stethoglove(R) handling were defined as primary and secondary performance endpoint. Results534 auscultations with Stethoglove(R) were performed (average 15.7/user) on the lungs (36.1%), the abdomen (33.2%), the heart (28.8%) or other body-sites (1.9%). No adverse device-effects occurred. The acoustic quality was rated at 4.2{+/-}0.7 (mean) with a total of 86.1% of all auscultations being rated at least as 4/5, and with no rating as below 2. The Stethoglove(R) handling was rated at 3.7{+/-}0.8 (mean) with a total of 96.4% of all auscultations being rated at least 3/5. ConclusionsUsing a real-world setting, this study demonstrates that Stethoglove(R) can be safely and effectively used as cover for stethoscopes during auscultation. Stethoglove(R) may therefore represent a useful and easy-to-implement tool for preventing stethoscope-mediated infections.