Doctors can help promote patient safety by showing they value the efforts of front-line staff in preventing the spread of healthcare-acquired infections, a study suggests.

Some US hospitals have been celebrating infection prevention successes with rewards and recognition for front-line staff, ranging from pizza parties to congratulatory emails, according to a study.

Lead author Dr Alice Gaughan of The Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus said recognition and rewards to front-line staff for preventing healthcare-associated infections can be a powerful motivational tool to sustain infection prevention efforts.  

“As front-line leaders, physicians can help promote patient safety by showing they value the efforts of nurses and other front-line staff who have the important job of preventing the spread of infections, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she added.