Infection Control Practices in Hospitals. Nosocomial infection, Infection control

1. Infection Control
Practices in Hospitals
Hospitals are a hotspot for infectious disease transmission. It is critical to
understand the basics of infection control practices to prevent the spread of
healthcare-associated infections.
B
By
Basavaraj Hukkeri
Belagavi, Karnataka

2. Overview of Infection Control in Hospitals
Cleaning and Disinfection
Proper cleaning and disinfection of
surfaces and medical equipment is
essential to prevent the spread of
infections in hospitals.
Vaccinations
Hospital staff and patients should
stay up-to-date with their
vaccinations to protect themselves
and others from infectious diseases.
Education and Training
Regular education and training for
hospital staff on infection control
practices is key to maintaining a safe
and healthy environment.

3. Types of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)
Catheter-Associated UTIs
A common HAI caused by the use of urinary
catheters which can result in serious
complications like bloodstream infections.
Surgical Site Infections
An infection that occurs after surgery in the
part of the body where the surgery took place,
caused by bacteria entering the surgical area.
Respiratory Infections
Infections like pneumonia, influenza, and
other respiratory infections are spread
through airborne droplets generated by
coughing and sneezing.
Gastrointestinal Infections
GI infections like norovirus are common in
hospitals and can spread through contact with
contaminated surfaces or food.

4. Common Pathogens and Prevention Methods
1 Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
A type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. Prevention methods include good hand
hygiene and use of contact precautions.
2 Clostridiodes Difficile (C. Diff)
A bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and is spread by coming in contact with contaminated surfaces.
Prevention methods include thorough cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and facilities.
3 Influenza (flu)
A common viral infection that causes respiratory illness, spread by airborne droplets. Prevention methods include
annual vaccination of healthcare workers and patients.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hand
Hygiene
Gloves
Gloves should be worn
when coming into contact
with body fluids,
contaminated equipment,
and environments.
Masks
Masks are effective to
prevent the spread of
respiratory droplets,
particularly during aerosol-
generating procedures.
Gowns
Gowns should be worn
when entering a patient's
room for procedures that
can cause splashes or
sprays of infectious
material.
Hand Hygiene
Good hand hygiene is
essential for preventing the
transmission of infectious
agents. Proper use of hand
sanitizers and handwashing
as required.

6. Isolation Precautions: When and How to Use Them
Contact Precautions
Used for patients with contagious
diseases that spread through contact.
Require gloves and a gown when entering
the patient's room.
Airborne Precautions
Used for patients with diseases that
spread through the air. Requires a
specialized mask like N95 respirators.
Droplet Precautions
Used for patients with diseases that
spread through droplets. Requires a mask
and eye protection for those entering the
patient's room.

7. Surveillance and Reporting
of HAIs
1 Monitoring
Surveillance should be done
regularly to detect infections
early and prevent them from
spreading.
2 Reporting
Reporting of infections is
required by law to detect
outbreaks, identify areas of
need for improvement, and
guide infection prevention
strategies.
3 Data Analysis
Data should be analyzed to identify trends, develop improvement
plans, and allocate resources more efficiently.

8. Importance of a Strong Infection Control Program
1 Cost Savings
The prevention of HAIs can save the hospital money
by reducing the length of stay of infected patients and
reducing the use of antibiotics.
2
Patient Safety
Infection control practices protect patients from harm
and provide them with a safe environment for
treatment. 3 Staff Safety
Implementing infection control practices also protects
healthcare workers from exposure to infectious
diseases.