Control Of Microbes: Physical, Chemical, And Antibiotic Methods’

Some potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi, including strains of Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Candida, and Aspergillus, can survive for one to three months on a variety of materials found in hospitals, including scrub suits, lab coats, plastic aprons, and computer keyboards. What can hospital personnel do to reduce the spread of these pathogens?

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Hospital personnel can implement several strategies to reduce the spread of potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi:

Hand Hygiene:

  • This remains the single most important step. Frequent handwashing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub is crucial before and after patient contact, after removing gloves, and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Appropriate use: Wear appropriate PPE like gloves, gowns, and masks based on the risk associated with each patient interaction. Don and doff PPE according to proper protocols to avoid contamination.
  • Gown and Lab Coat Management: Chan

 

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  • frequently if visibly soiled. Consider laundering them in high-temperature cycles or using disposable options.
  • Keyboard Cleaning: Regularly disinfect keyboards and other frequently touched surfaces with EPA-approved disinfectants effective against bacteria and fungi. Hospitals might provide wipes or cleaning solutions specifically for this purpose.

Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection:

  • Regular cleaning: Routinely clean and disinfect patient rooms, common areas, and equipment with appropriate disinfectants based on the type of pathogen and surface.
  • High-touch surfaces: Pay particular attention to high-touch surfaces like door handles, bed rails, and call buttons.
  • Laundry practices: Ensure proper handling and laundering of linens and scrubs to eliminate potential pathogens.

Education and Training:

  • Regularly educate and train staff on proper hand hygiene, PPE use, and environmental cleaning protocols to maintain consistent practices across the hospital.
  • Address any knowledge gaps or concerns regarding infection control to foster a culture of safety.

Additional Measures:

  • Monitor outbreaks: Hospitals should monitor for outbreaks of specific pathogens and implement targeted interventions if necessary.
  • Material Selection: Consider using materials for equipment and surfaces that are easier to clean and disinfect.
  • Handwashing facilities: Ensure readily accessible handwashing facilities with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub dispensers throughout the hospital.

By implementing these strategies, hospital personnel can significantly reduce the risk of transmission of potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi, protecting patients and staff alike.

 

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