Some dangerous infections may develop more readily within the hospital environment, leaving patients susceptible to acquiring them during their stay in hospital. Take a look at how common these types of infections are and how you can help to prevent them.
What is a Hospital Acquired Infection?
Hospital acquired infections (HAI’s) can be defined as infections that are acquired within a hospital or a similar healthcare setting. Some patient groups are at a higher risk of infection than others, such as those with a compromised immune system, or elderly patients. Some other risk factors may include healthcare professionals not correctly washing their hands, increased hospital stays or overusing antibiotics. This can be seen through ‘Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus’ or MRSA. MRSA is a group of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics, making infections from MRSA much more difficult to treat than other bacterial infections. Although MRSA rates have fallen in recent years, infections still develop within hospitals. Check out this website for more information about MRSA.
How Common Are They?
The Centers for Disease Control have estimated that within the US, 1.7 million infections are acquired within hospitals each year. On top of this, up to 80,000 deaths, each year can be related to HAI’s. To put this into perspective, around 1 in 10 people admitted to a hospital will contract an HAI.
The most common types of infections acquired are urinary tract infections. In fact, 32% of all HAI’s are UTIs, caused by indwelling catheters. 22% of HAI’s are surgical site infections, and 15% are lung infections (pneumonia). Other common types include gastroenteritis and bloodstream infections.
How Can You Prevent Them?
As medical care becomes more and more complex, and antibiotic resistance increases, the number of HAI’s will continue to grow. However, HAI’s can be prevented in many healthcare settings by adhering to evidence-based practice. Practicing correct hand washing before and after all patient contact will significantly decrease the spread of bacteria and therefore the number of infections. Also, only using catheters when absolutely necessary and keeping them in for the shortest time possible will prevent the number of UTI’s contracted within the healthcare setting. Ensure the correct uniform is being worn at all times, such as gloves and gowns. Hair should always be tied up off the shoulders, and no jewelry should be worn, as things such as rings and bracelets can harbor bacteria.By adhering to these types of practice, you are helping in preventing hospital acquired infections. One of the main ways in which they can be prevented is by reducing the use of unnecessary antibiotics. This will prevent antibiotic-resistant bacteria from developing.
Due to the nature of healthcare facilities, it isnot possible to eliminate 100% of infections. However, taking the correct steps to prevent HAI’s can decrease the risk of contracting them by more than 70%.Although the number of HAI’s are on the rise in the US, ensuring the correct procedures are followed will help to prevent as many of these as possible.
