Infection Control in Hospital
Infection control encompasses the
procedures and corresponding policies employed to reduce the
threat of spreading infections, particularly in clinical,
medical or health care settings. The main goal is minimizing
the incidences of infectious diseases. Most diseases are
bacterial or viral in origin and are spread in a variety of
ways.
The purpose of a hospital is to make people feel better
than when they were admitted. However, this can really put a
crimp in things if you develop a hospital acquired infection.
That is why there are infection control policies in place to
ensure that this does not happen. In fact, many medical
facilities these days appoint one or more people to govern and
oversee infection control.
Defining Infection Control
Infection control encompasses the procedures and
corresponding policies employed to reduce the threat of
spreading infections, particularly in clinical, medical or
health care settings. The main goal is minimizing the
incidences of infectious diseases. Most diseases are bacterial
or viral in origin and are spread in a variety of ways.
Infection control looks at how the infection was spread such
as human to human contact or airborne transportation through
the spread of droplets like in coughing or sneezing. In
addition, animal to human contact is a possibility as well as
human contact with an infectious surface. Of course, water and
food are additional ways that infection is spread. Infection
control officers study all possible scenarios.
The Reason for Infection Control in Health Care
Nosocomial infections aka hospital acquired infections
happen every day and it is estimate that up to 10 % of all
hospital patients acquire a secondary infection from their
stay. Some patients are more susceptible to infection and have
weak immune systems. In addition, certain medical practices or
lack thereof contribute to the increase of infection as
well.
Because of highly infectious bacteria like staph, there has
been an increase in infection control measures. Antibiotic
resistance can be a contributing factor as well. That is why
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have continually
modified a set of guidelines that all infection control
departments in health care setting should follow to reduce
infection problems.
Hand WashingHowever, always remember that there are some good bacteria too so try and be cognizant that antibacterial products will not necessarily be the best cleaning solution for you. Practicing the handy tips above will help you stay healthy but not totally bar you from the germ exposure you need to develop a better immune system either.
Infection Control In Long Term Care
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New diseases are being discovered all the time as well as
hardier strains of existing bacteria and viruses which means
that infection control departments have to be particularly
diligent at all times, examining everything from the check-in
of a patient to quality control in the cafeteria to proper
sterilization techniques for the equipment. No stone is left
unturned in the pursuit of determining the causes of nosocomial
infections.
Other things that infection control departments look at
include: ventilation systems, new medical equipment which could
reduce infection, proper handling of contaminated sheets, hand
washing and hygiene measures, proper masking and gowning and
even developing continuing education materials about infection
that can be distributed to the public as well as the staff.
Infection control is not just practiced in hospitals; it is
practiced in any health care facility. This includes dental
offices, animal shelters, laboratories, school settings, doctor
offices and even nursing homes. Any location where some type of
medical care is given should have infection control measures in
place. The job of an infection control officer or department
can be quite thankless. There are countless details to know and
implement so continuing education for a person or people in
that position is ongoing. It pays off to be diligent when it
comes to learning about new strains or outbreaks as well as
revolutionary tools and treatments to stave off
infection. Latest News Regarding Infection Control ?
10/14/2008
Ashford And St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust Improves Infection Control Practices, UK (Medical News Today)
The Healthcare Commission yesterday (Monday) announced that Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust has made necessary improvements in infection control. It said the trust is now compliant with the requirements of an improvement notice, issued on 18 June 2008, which required immediate changes to infection control practices.
Ashford And St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust Improves Infection Control Practices, UK (Medical News Today)
10/13/2008
Unotron Lauds New Infection Control Guidelines Issued By the American Hospital Association and the Joint Commission As ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
DALLAS----Infection Control Guidelines issued by the nation's top epidemiological societies, the American Hospital Association, and the Joint Commission offer compelling evidence that prevention programs, universal screening, vigilant hand-washing, and other precautions prevent spread of deadly infection in U.S. hospitals.
Unotron Lauds New Infection Control Guidelines Issued By the American Hospital Association and the Joint Commission As ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
10/14/2008
Greater Latrobe student diagnosed with MRSA infection (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
A student at Mountain View Elementary School in Unity has been diagnosed with an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection, school officials said.
Greater Latrobe student diagnosed with MRSA infection (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
10/13/2008
Hospital gets infection all-clear (BBC News)
A Surrey hospital ordered to improve its infection control is given the all-clear by the health watchdog.
Hospital gets infection all-clear (BBC News)
10/15/2008
Clostridium Difficile Infection in Long-Term Care: Tailored Approaches to Management Complimentary Continuing ... (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Clostridium difficile infection is increasingly being seen in older adults, especially among residents of long-term care facilities . This is further complicated by the emergence of a new resistant strain of C. difficile associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.
Clostridium Difficile Infection in Long-Term Care: Tailored Approaches to Management Complimentary Continuing ... (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
10/15/2008
Quarter of NHS failing on superbugs (Reuters via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News)
A quarter of NHS bodies are failing to meet basic standards of infection control designed to combat superbugs such as MRSA, England's health watchdog said on Thursday.
Quarter of NHS failing on superbugs (Reuters via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News)
10/15/2008
Watchdog questions MRSA progress (BBC News)
Concerns are being raised about NHS performance on infection control in England - just weeks after ministers announced its target had been met.
Watchdog questions MRSA progress (BBC News)
10/13/2008
Hospital gets infection all-clear (BBC News)
A Surrey hospital ordered to improve its infection control is given the all-clear by the health watchdog.
Hospital gets infection all-clear (BBC News)
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