There was a recent study to determine if copper could serve as an antimicrobial agent. The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine published the study and it was found that copper did prevent outbreaks of healthcare-associated infections in a long-term care facility. Specifically, the risk of hand-transmitted healthcare-associated infection was significantly lower in the area equipped with copper surfaces.

This seems like a relatively simple measure for us to consider if we can enjoy better outcomes with fewer HAIs! Take a look around your center and determine if you could replace door handles, support bars and handrails with copper-containing surfaces! These are all high risk for “sharing germs” and the outcomes may be worth investigating!