Handwashing would be more effective in reducing nosocomial infections than removing watches. I don't know that I have every seen a physician actually look at their watch when they are checking pulses and respirations. Most US patient rooms have a clock in them for the patients and staff. If the physicians want to look at a clock they can always fall back on their cellphone, blackberry or pager! (the other devices that are not routinely cleaned from patient to patient) WASH YOUR HANDS PEOPLE!!