Grant Application

Stephanie Martin,RN, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg 

Proposed Innovation

Premature and ill infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are fragile, tiny patients. Their immature and weak immune systems make them extremely vulnerable to infection. Cell phones — used by parents to take photos and record precious moments in their baby’s fight for life and stay connected with family and friends — pose a significant risk of contamination.

This innovative project aims to reduce the risk of infection from cell phones through the use of an ultraviolet cell phone sanitizer.

Improvements in Action

A CleanSlate Ultraviolet Sanitizer will be purchased for use in the UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg NICU. All visiting family members and staff need to do is place their cell phone inside the box and close the door. In the time it takes for them to perform a thorough hand scrub, the cell phone is quickly and safely sanitized.

Intended Outcomes

Providing a convenient and easy place to sanitize cell phones and other personal devices will decrease the risk of contamination by keeping germs out of the NICU and preventing dangerous infections in newborns.