Are there any resources to teach about the risk of cross contamination after surgery?

Question

I fear I'll get toxoplasmosis or salmonella in future surgery wounds: my hubby regularly cross-contaminates & isn't careful. Showing general teaching videos didn't help. Is there some teaching kit/simulation/experiment designed to teach about microbes? If I do any type of surgery, he must understand or I can't trust him to help. It's already a problem in the kitchen now i.e. dish cloth used under a defrosting package of raw poultry was put back as if clean. HELP!!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding cross-contamination risks after surgery. Your concerns are completely valid, especially as proper hygiene is critical for healing and reducing post-surgical risks like infection. While there isn't a widely known simulation kit for home education, there are excellent resources and strategies you can use to educate your household.

Food Safety and Hygiene Education Tools
Online platforms like the USDA's FoodSafety.gov or your local public health department offer videos, printable guides, and interactive learning tools that highlight the importance of preventing cross-contamination. Though aimed at kitchen safety, these lessons apply broadly to hygiene, especially after surgery.

Hand Hygiene Demonstrations
Consider purchasing UV light kits with "germ" powder or lotion (available online). These demonstrate how contamination spreads from one surface to another. Seeing invisible residue light up can be an eye-opener.

Customized Communication
Frame the conversation in a way that emphasizes how vital his role is in supporting your healing and health after surgery. Encourage him to think of his actions as part of your recovery team.

Infection Control Information from Hospitals or Clinics
Ask your surgical team if they have patient education resources about post-op wound care and hygiene. Many clinics provide written instructions or videos about reducing contamination risks.

Simple Kitchen Changes to Prevent Cross-Contamination
Invest in disposable kitchen cloths, separate cutting boards for raw meat, and clear color-coded cleaning tools to minimize risks. These changes can benefit the entire household and simplify adherence to best practices.

While you focus on healing and maintaining a clean environment post-surgery, your partner's active participation in hygiene habits will play a significant role. With education and support, these concerns can be managed effectively.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's important to be careful, but with regular handwashing and wearing gloves you should significantly decrease risk of infection.  Your surgeon's office can educate you and your husband on proper technique to handle any wound care that is necessary.  You may look for continuing education courses for medical personnel as you may find some videos or online classes there.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Go to a library and check out a book about bacteria, different kinds and where they are found and what they can do. Your husband may not be aware, or he may not be too concerned, or he may be just lazy.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I’ve never heard of somebody ending up with Salmonella or toxoplasmosis wound infection because of cross contamination in the kitchen.
Perhaps ask your husband to wash his hands or wear gloves when helping you with wound care.
Micro organisms are part of our life and act both synergistically and pathologically.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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Are there any resources to teach about the risk of cross contamination after surgery?

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