Chapter 1. Infection Control Show Infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices are evidence-based procedures and practices that can prevent and reduce disease transmission, and eliminate sources of potential infections (PIDAC, 2012). When used consistently, IPAC practices will prevent the transfer of health care associated infections (HAIs) in all health care settings. HAIs, also known as nosocomial infections, are infections that occur in any health care setting as a result of contact with a pathogen that was not present at the time the person infected was admitted (World Health Organization[WHO], 2009a). Two types of techniques are used to prevent infection in the hospital setting. The first, medical asepsis, or clean technique, has been used in the past to describe measures for reducing and preventing the spread of organisms (Perry, Potter & Ostendorf, 2014). The second, sterile technique, also known as sterile asepsis, is a strict technique to eliminate all microorganisms from an area (Perry et al., 2014). When a patient is suspected of having or is confirmed to have certain pathogens or clinical presentations, additional precautions are implemented by the health care worker, in addition to routine practices (PIDAC, 2012). These additional precautions are based on how an infection is transmitted, such as by contact, droplet, or air. Additional precautions use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns, eyewear, face shields, and masks, along with environmental controls to prevent transmission of infection. To reduce, and prevent the spread of, HAIs, routine practices, a system of recommended IPAC practices, are to be used consistently with all patients at all times in all health care settings (Public Health Agency of Canada [PHAC], 2012b). The principles of routine practices are based on the premise that all patients are potentially infectious, even when asymptomatic, and IPAC routine practices should be used to prevent exposure to blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or soiled items (PIDAC, 2012). To learn the steps for routine practices, see Checklist 1. Checklist 1: Routine Practices
How can the spread of infection be prevented in healthcare?The most important way we prevent healthcare-associated infections is by washing our hands. Healthcare workers and visitors should wash their hands on entering and after leaving the patient room. Hand washing may be done with alcohol hand rub or antibacterial soap and water — both are acceptable.
How can you prevent the spread of infection in a care facility or hospital?Contact Precautions:
➢ Wear a disposable plastic apron and gloves for all interactions that may involve direct contact with the patient. ➢ Wear gloves if there is a risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions. ➢ Perform hand hygiene after patient contact/removal of gloves.
What are 3 methods of controlling the spread of infection?These measures include: Hand Washing. Infection control standard, contact, droplet and airborne precautions.
What is the most important procedure for preventing the spread of infection?Hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent the spread of infections among patients and DHCP. Education and training programs should thoroughly address indications and techniques for hand hygiene practices before performing routine and oral surgical procedures.
|