Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can be contracted in a variety of medical settings such as acute care hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, dialysis facilities, outpatient care facilities, and long-term care facilities.
Although HAIs are preventable, On any given day, about one in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection. According to the CDC, about 1.7 million HAI infections occur in hospitals annually, causing 99,000 deaths each year.
There are numerous HAI infections that can be contracted in a medical facility.
Common HAIs include:
- Central-line associated bloodstream infections
- Clostridium difficile infections
- Pneumonia
- MRSA infections
- Surgical site infections
- Urinary tract infections
The CDC along with other organizations such as the HHS and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) are committed to coming up with ways to prevent these infections by providing tools and assessment strategies.
There are other strategies healthcare personnel can use to prevent HAIs in hospital settings but one of the most important is cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in rooms. A study examining infections found on hospital room surfaces claims, “A multifaceted approach to preventing infection is critical to reducing the risk for HAIs, including hand hygiene practices, antimicrobial stewardship, and environmental cleaning and disinfecting.”
This study was a meta-analysis of 80 previous studies focused on C. Difficile, MRSA and VRE and found that 61% of the articles focused on cleaning or disinfecting, solidifying the importance of sanitary conditions.
Medical Facilities can Help Prevent and Reduce HAIs By:
- Cleaning & disinfecting high touch surfaces such as bed rails, bed side tables, remote controls and work stations
- Using EPA approved disinfecting products, specifically designed for healthcare settings
- Training staff on the proper methods of cleaning and disinfecting, as well as the proper use of products
- Encouraging staff, visitors and patients to wash their hands and/or use hand sanitizing wipes
- Using products that are effective yet convenient and easy to use
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2XL is your trusted partner in the healthcare industry.
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