Effective Hospital Infection Control: Hand Hygiene & Stewardship

Hospital Infection Control

Hospital Infection Control refers to measures taken to prevent and control infections within a hospital setting. These measures ensure patient safety, protect healthcare workers, and limit the spread of pathogens.

Key Points:

1. Hand Hygiene:
   Washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs is the most effective way to prevent infection.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   Use of gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection to prevent transmission of microorganisms.
3. Sterilization and Disinfection:
   Instruments, medical devices, and surfaces are cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized as per protocol.
4. Isolation of Infected Patients:
   Isolation precautions (standard, contact, droplet, and airborne) are implemented to prevent transmission.
5. Surveillance and Monitoring:
   Regular monitoring of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and implementing corrective actions.

Proper infection control ensures patient safety and reduces the burden of hospital-acquired infections.

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Importance of Hand Hygiene:

• Prevents the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
• Reduces transmission of microorganisms between patients, healthcare workers, and the environment.

When to Perform Hand Hygiene (5 Moments):

• Before touching a patient.
• Before clean/aseptic procedures.
• After exposure to body fluids.
• After touching a patient.
• After touching patient surroundings.

Techniques of Hand Hygiene:

• Hand Washing: Use soap and water when hands are visibly soiled.
• Alcohol-Based Hand Rub: Use when hands are not visibly dirty (faster and effective against most pathogens).

Duration and Steps:

• Proper hand washing should last at least 40-60 seconds.
• Alcohol rub should take 20-30 seconds.

Compliance and Monitoring:

• Hospitals must educate and encourage staff to adhere to hand hygiene protocols.
• Regular audits ensure compliance.

Effective hand hygiene reduces infection rates and protects both patients and healthcare workers.

Steps for Hand Washing:

1. Wet hands with clean, running water.
2. Apply soap to cover all hand surfaces.
3. Rub hands together thoroughly:
   • Palm to palm.
   • Back of hands.
   • Between fingers.
   • Back of fingers to opposing palms.
   • Thumbs.
   • Fingertips and nails.
4. Rinse hands with water.
5. Dry hands with a clean towel or air dryer.

For Alcohol-Based Hand Rub:

Follow the same rubbing motions without water, ensuring hands are dry afterward (20-30 seconds).

Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antimicrobial stewardship refers to coordinated efforts to optimize the use of antimicrobials to combat resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Definition:

It ensures the appropriate selection, dosing, duration, and administration of antimicrobial agents.

Goals:

• Improve patient outcomes.
• Reduce antimicrobial resistance.
• Decrease healthcare costs.

Key Principles:

• Use antibiotics only when necessary.
• Choose the right antibiotic for the infection.
• Administer the correct dose and duration.

Strategies:

• Education and training for healthcare professionals.
• Regular monitoring of antimicrobial usage.
• Implement hospital guidelines and protocols.

Importance:

• Reduces antibiotic resistance.
• Prevents misuse of antimicrobials and hospital-acquired infections.

Antimicrobial stewardship ensures effective treatment while minimizing harm and resistance.