What the forks? A longitudinal quality improvement study tracking cutlery numbers in a public teaching and research hospital staff tearoom

摘要: Objectives To evaluate the circulation lifespan of forks and teaspoons in an institutional tearoom. Design Longitudinal quality improvement study, based on prospective tracking marked forks. Setting Staff tearoom a public teaching research hospital, Brisbane. Participants Tearoom patrons blinded to purposes study. Intervention Stainless steel (18 each) were with red spots introduced alongside existing cutlery (81 items) Main outcome measures Twice weekly count for seven weeks; baseline end study all utensils day 45. Results The loss (six 18) was greater than that (one by conclusion period (P = 0.038). overall rate utensil 2.2 per 100 days spoons, -2.2 knives. Conclusions Teaspoon disappearance is more substantial problem fork migration multidisciplinary staff tearoom, may reflect different kleptomaniacal or individual appropriation tendencies. If giving this Christmas, give teaspoons, not symbolism rebirth resurrection appropriate both Christmas Easter, are also mighty useful implements eating cake!