Slippers to Reduce Transfer From Floors to Surfaces

The goal of this study is to determine if wearing slippers will reduce transfer of bacteriophage MS2 from hospital room floors to surfaces in the room and hands of patients. Hospitalized patients are enrolled and randomized to wear slippers any time they are out of bed versus standard care. Bacteriophage MS2 is inoculated onto a site on the floor between the patient bed and the bathroom. Cultures are collected at 24 and 48 hours to assess transfer of bacteriophage MS2 from the floor to high-touch surfaces (bed rail, bedside table, telephone, call button), personal items, bedding, socks or feet, and hands of patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients of 18 years of age or older
• Ambulatory
• Able to demonstrate an understanding of study procedures

Exclusion criteria

• Unable or unwilling to fulfill study requirements.
• Expected length of stay less than 48 hours
• Any patient deemed not suitable for study participation at the discretion of the study investigator