What are health care facilities expected to do prevent nosocomial infection?

To prevent the spread of nosocomial infections, healthcare facilities are expected to adhere to various infection control protocols and stringent measures. Here are some key steps they are expected to take:

1. Hand Hygiene:

- Healthcare providers and staff should practice regular hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand rubs or soap and water.

- Hand hygiene should be performed before and after patient contact, after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, and before performing invasive procedures.

2. Standard Precautions:

- Standard precautions should be followed consistently for all patients, regardless of their suspected or confirmed infection status.

- These precautions include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, when handling blood, bodily fluids, secretions, excretions, and contaminated items.

3. Contact Precautions:

- Contact precautions are implemented when a patient is known or suspected to be infected with an infectious agent that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact.

- Private rooms should be provided for these patients, and dedicated healthcare providers and equipment should be used.

4. Airborne Precautions:

- Airborne precautions are used when a patient is infected with an airborne pathogen that can spread through tiny droplets or particles generated during coughing, sneezing, talking, or certain medical procedures.

- Private, well-ventilated rooms with negative air pressure are recommended, and healthcare providers must wear N95 or higher-level respirators.

5. Droplet Precautions:

- Droplet precautions are similar to airborne precautions, but they are used for infections transmitted through larger respiratory droplets that can't travel as far (approximately 1 meter or 3 feet).

- Private rooms or at least 3 feet of distance between patients is required, and healthcare providers should wear surgical masks and eye protection.

6. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection:

- Healthcare facilities must maintain a clean and disinfected environment.

- High-touch surfaces, medical equipment, and patient care areas should be regularly cleaned and disinfected using effective cleaning agents and disinfectants.

7. Proper Waste Management:

- Infectious waste, such as sharps, bodily fluids, and contaminated materials, should be handled and disposed of safely and appropriately.

- Proper labeling, storage, and handling procedures should be followed.

8. Surveillance and Reporting:

- Healthcare facilities are required to monitor and report any suspected or confirmed cases of nosocomial infections to public health authorities.

- This surveillance helps identify outbreaks, track infection rates, and implement targeted control measures.

9. Education and Training:

- Healthcare workers should receive regular education and training on infection control practices, including hand hygiene, standard precautions, and specific guidelines related to managing infections.

10. Antimicrobial Stewardship:

- Healthcare facilities should implement antimicrobial stewardship programs to ensure appropriate and responsible use of antibiotics and prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance.

11. Collaboration and Communication:

- Effective communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals, infection prevention teams, and public health agencies are crucial in preventing and controlling nosocomial infections.

By adhering to these measures and continually striving to improve infection control practices, healthcare facilities can help reduce the risk of nosocomial infections and protect the health and safety of patients and healthcare workers.