Infection Entry Points in the Hospitalization Process
Opportunities to Lower HAI Risk
Hundreds of millions of patients are affected by health care-associated infections (HAIs) worldwide each year. And with the introduction of outbreaks, pandemics and epidemics like SARS, MERS, H1N1 and COVID-19, the need to eliminate the spread is tantamount to life and death for many. An estimated 3.5 to 12% are affected by HAIs in upper income countries, while it varies between 5.7% and 19.1% in low- and middle-income countries. (WHO report on Healthcare Associated Infections Fact Sheet)
Your Journey:
THE INFECTION ENABLED PROCESS
Your journey through the hospitalization process begins and ends with ongoing risks of contacting bacteria and viruses that are transmitted through environmental and surgical means. MRSA, C.Diff, COVID-19, Cauti and Clabsi are just some of the shortened descriptors of what lurks at every stage of your journey, with the greatest risk coming from environmentally transmitted diseases.
Reducing the Risk of HAIs with Close Monitoring of Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures and Data Analysis
Mitigating the Risk
Microscopic pathogens cannot be fully eradicated, but the risks can be minimized when proper processes and technologies are used at the right time. The touch points during your journey are numerous and simple techniques like proper hand washing; surface, water, and air disinfection; and proper isolation room procedures can all minimize your risk of encountering the microscopic foreign entities that lurk throughout these facilities.
Environmental Testing
Using various inspection techniques, cleaning efficiencies can be assessed to determine the level of clean or true disinfection. More advanced testing practices like bioluminescence (ATP)and microbial sampling of air, water, and surfaces can help identify true effectiveness of your processes and practices.
The Value of Data
Data captured throughout the environmental and surgical cleaning and disinfection processes, along with quantifiable testing means can help facilities identify problem areas and incorporate the best practices in minimizing the risks associated with HAIs and infections within your hospital journey.