Copper-based fabric for healthcare professionals to prevent healthcare-associated infections: A futuristic/dreamed uniform

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have a major impact on public health worldwide. Till now, we are relying on hand washing and environmental disinfection, but the compliance rate of hand washing and adequate supply of materials is always a catch. Alongside patients, surfaces and supplies act as reservoirs of microorganisms in healthcare settings. The reduction in organisms may prove to be an effective strategy to decline HAIs. The use of gold and silver in commercial textiles is prohibited because of the high cost rather than having excellent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, so copper has become the best choice for researchers as it possesses similar properties to gold and silver and has other characteristics such as its durability, corrosion resistance, prestigious appearance, and ability to form complex shapes. It has been found that copper brings down the microbial burden of high-touch surfaces in healthcare settings. The fundamental properties of copper offer a theoretical advantage to regular cleaning, as the effect is continuous rather than episodic. So the use of copper-impregnated textiles in hospital areas whether in form of bed linen or uniforms for health professionals, as well as patients, can be a viable alternative to decline the levels of infection in healthcare settings, and with the discovery of copper-encapsulated hospital beds and fabrics, dividends will likely be paid in improved patient outcomes, lives saved, and healthcare cost saved. The application of copper in fabrics for healthcare professionals will be a sound initiative to prevent HAIs. The fabric may help decline the infection rate and mortality among hospitalized patients.