A nosocomial infection, also called a hospital infection, develops in patients after hospitalization. Nosocomial infections can be bacterial or fungal and are often resistant to antibiotics. Recent studies have shown that nosocomial infections can be caused by healthcare professionals who unintentionally spread the infection to susceptible patients. There are ways to protect yourself and your patients, each one is simple, yet extremely effective.
Steps
Step 1. Put on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
It is specialized equipment used by healthcare professionals to protect and prevent the spread of infection to patients.
- Hospital staff should always clean their hands according to protocol before putting on PPE.
- Healthcare professionals should put on a gown first, then a mask, goggles, and finally gloves.
Step 2. Perform the injections according to the safety rules
Healthcare professionals are generally responsible for infections caused by an accidental puncture with a needle. The methods below will help you prevent such infections.
- Never give medicines with the same syringe to multiple patients.
- Do not administer single-dose medicines to more than one patient.
- Clean the top of the vial containing the medicine with 70% alcohol before inserting a syringe into the bottle.
- Throw away used needles and syringes in the appropriate containers.
Step 3. Dispose of the rubbish in the appropriate containers
Hospitals have special containers for different types of waste. They are usually color coded as follows:
- The black ones contain non-biodegradable waste.
- Green containers are biodegradable ones.
- The yellow ones contain infected material.
- Syringes and needles should be placed in suitable puncture-proof containers.
Step 4. Make sure the lab is sterile
It is very important that the area designated for the preparation of medicines is clean, as contaminated medicines can be a source of infection.
Step 5. Maintain a clean hospital environment
Corridors, laboratories and rooms should be kept as clean as possible, considering that these environments are susceptible to developing germs that can be easily transmitted to patients.
- Make sure areas contaminated with body fluids are cleaned up promptly.
- Clean surfaces that are frequently touched, such as countertops and medical tables, at least twice a day.
