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Psychology, family and everyday life

Phone and devices: connection and cleanliness

In hospital, a phone and tablet matter for contact with family, work, study and rest. But they are also the most-touched objects and carry germs.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Hands wiping a smartphone screen with a cloth
Figure 1.Wipe your phone regularly

01Short answer

Wipe your phone at least once a day with a disinfectant wipe approved by the manufacturer. Do not take the phone into the toilet. Do not share your device, and wipe children's tablets too. Use your own charger and do not leave the cable tangled on the bed. Cut down screen time in the hour before sleep. Ask the nurse about using devices near medical equipment. Video calls, music, books and online lessons ease boredom.

02Simple explanation

Wipe the phone daily.

Not in the toilet.

Do not share.

Night: screen off.

03Scientific explanation

Infection control: frequently touched objects such as phones can carry germs; regular cleaning and hand hygiene reduce the risk.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Sleep

Screen light can disturb sleep.

Cable

A cable can catch your feet and cause a fall.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
SleepScreen light can disturb sleep.
CableA cable can catch your feet and cause a fall.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Disinfectant wipe
A moist wipe for cleaning surfaces.
Blue light
Screen light that affects sleep.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Wipe.
  • Do not share.
  • Switch off at night.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

How do I wipe my phone?

With a wipe the manufacturer recommends, with the device switched off.

Can I use headphones?

Yes, your own clean ones.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. How do I wipe my phone?

  2. Can I use headphones?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. American Cancer Society. What Is Anxiety?
  6. American Cancer Society. Depression and Cancer
  7. NHS (UK). Breathing exercises for stress
  8. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2023. Management of Anxiety and Depression in Adult Survivors of Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update
  9. ESMO Open, 2023. Anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline
  10. Psycho-Oncology, 2019. Mindfulness-based interventions for psychological and physical health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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