...Nosocomial Infections By princessbec76 | Studymode.com Section 1: Infections in Healthcare Settings Essay. Nosocomial infections, hospital acquired infections, are an on-going concern to healthcare professionals. These infections are one of the major causes of death in hospitalised patients and are a significant burden on not only the patient’s and the public’s health (as organisms causing nosocomial infections can be transmitted to the community through discharged patients, staff and visitors) but also the economy. A nosocomial infection is an infection acquired at least 72 hours after being admitted into hospital for any reason other than the infection or one which develops amongst hospital staff. Infections are also identified as nosocomial if they appear in a patient within 30 days after their discharge from hospital. Non nosocomial infections, community acquired infections, are infections acquired anywhere other than the hospital. The most common places where non nosocomial infections occur are schools, day care centres and sports facilities. They are spread through skin to skin contact, cuts and grazes, overcrowding and poor hygiene. The illnesses or infections can be the same, for example, pneumonia or gastroenteritis but it is the setting that they are contracted in which differentiate the two infections. Nosocomial infections occur worldwide and affect both wealthy, developed countries as well as the poorer ones with scarce resources. A survey conducted by the World...
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...The prevalence of nosocomial infections is a concern in our health care. Infections are becoming more virulent and resistant to antibiotics which make it harder to treat. Patients are more vulnerable to nosocomial infections the longer they stay inpatient in the hospital. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 1 in 25 patients will acquire an infection during their hospital stay. In 2011, the CDC surveyed and reported there are 721,810 infections in an acute care hospital (Center for Disease Control, 2011). Examples of infections are pneumonia, gastrointestinal illness, urinary tract infections, blood infections and surgical site infections. With the concern of these infections becoming resistant to treatment, it is important to figure...
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...Nosocomial Infections Monica Butler Strayer University Dr. Godson Ezejiofo HSA 535 Managerial Epidemiology January 25, 2015 Introduction Good Health Hospital has proved to be among the best hospitals in the region since its inception. The medical professionals and all members of staff are always committed to ensuring delivery of quality services to patients. The hospital has had a good reputation of excellent staff, good patient relations and top quality services. In the recent past, several cases of E. coli have been reported at Good Health Hospital. E. coli exists in a variety of types but most varieties a less harmful to human health. Research by medical professionals has shown that E. coli bacteria live in the intestines, for both people and animals. Symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting (Bennett, Jarvis & Brachman, 2007). E. coli emanates from taking contaminated food and water. E. coli may lead to death or permanent health problems if appropriate measures are taken on time. Nosocomial diseases can be termed as an infection that a person gets while being attend to in a health institution. The goal for this task is to explore the nosocomial infections, intervention strategies and recommendations on how to control and manage the various types of nosocomial infections. Analysis of Good Health Hospital records Records of Good Health Hospital show that a number of nosocomial diseases have been reported. Among the commonest...
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...Prevention of nosocomial infection of neonates in the NICU Nosocomial bloodstream infections play a big part in infections that affect the very premature low birth weight infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units which can cause morbidity and mortality. Numerous attempts have been made to prevent infections and the outcomes have gone both ways with mixed results. The rates have varied from unit to unit and research has been performed to distinguish if the models that are used in each unit have made a difference in the prevention of infection. The population of the NICU is vulnerable and the effects of infection can increase the length of stay and the cost of the hospitalization. Many efforts have been successful but some variances in the rates still exist. Strategies have been attempted to be identified to minimize the risks of nosocomial infection in low-birth-weight infants (Newby, 2008, p. 421). In the NICU population the nosocomial infection rate is the highest in the VLBW (very low birth weight) infants. They are amongst the largest of the groups of infants that require more interventions and support procedures that come along. The smaller, less mature infants are more prone to infection since they have sensitive and immature skin that from any portal of entry, the higher infection rates are almost impossible to overcome. There are several factors to consider such as if the problem exists because of the prematurity of the infant or is it the effect of the environment...
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...Prevention and Control of Nosocomial Infections A Nosocomial Infection is a very distinct infection that occurs in hospital environments. The work nosocomial literally means – of or relating to a hospital. Also known as hospital-acquired infections (or HAI) these occur in unsanitary or unclean hospital environments and can be contracted by hospital staff, hospital patients and visitors. Infections can be generally described as bacterial or fungal. Nosocomial infections will often cause urinary tract infections, and pneumonia among other things depending on the patient’s reaction to the infection. Many elements go into the cause and spread of nosocomial infections and, according to epidemiologic research, occur on an international level affecting people in the United States and abroad. Nosocomial infections may arise due to a lack of sterilization, improper or negligent procedures or simply accidental contraction. Prevention of nosocomial infection has steadily with the progress of modern medicine. Currently, there are specialists who examine the history, spread and prevention of nosocomial infections as it immediately affects the well-being of all parties involved and can be hazardous to the professional status of a facility. ...
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...In my practice setting, evidence –based practice is applied in several ways. There are policies in place derived from evidence-based practice that pertain to every procedure performed in the in the unit. In preventing the Catheter- associated urinary infections (CAUTI’s), for catheter to be inserted there has to be a doctor’s order stating the reason for the need of catheter. Urine has to be sent to laboratory for urine culture to rule out Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) prior to catheter insertion. The reason could be for strict monitoring of urinary output for incontinent patient or preoperatively. Postoperatively the catheter has to be discontinued either postoperative day one or day two, if not the doctor has to indicate the reason for continuing. The insertion and remove dates must be documented in the Electronic Health Records. 75% of the hospital acquire UTIs are related to indwelling catheters. Prolonged use of an indwelling catheter put the patients at the highest risk of developing UTI. Catheters therefore, should be used for only appropriate indications and there should be removed as soon as they are no longer needed (CDC, 2008) Another Evidence –based practice applied in my practice is prevention of Venous Thromboembolism. Patients that are at high risk of developing VTE are postoperative, obese or those who have prolong immobility. All patients that are admitted are assessed for the risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). The doctor must indicted whether patient is a...
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...patients acquire infections while being treated for other medical conditions. In 2011, there were an estimated 722,000 hospital acquired infections (HAIs) in United States Acute Care Hospitals. Additionally, about 75,000 patients with hospital acquired infections died during their hospitalization (CDC, 2018). (Note: To ensure consistency, we will use HAIs when referring to nosocomial infections, please refer to the definition section for further understanding of the terms) More than half of all the incidents occurred within the intensive care unit. HAIs can be associated with the devices used in medical procedures, such as central line-associated...
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...care facilities whom fail to provide efficient infection control precautions puts patient's safety at risk resulting in a SARS outbreak. “Improper sterilization of equipment exposed patients to diseases including HIV, Hepatitis, and bloodstream infections that risk patient safety” (Bailey & Ries, 2010, p. 141). A hospital, organization, or health care facility acquired infection exhibits signs as little as three days after a patient is admitted. Infections that occur in a hospital are defined as Nosocomial infections. Ineffective infection control can create safety concerns for patients because the result in most cases is the patient dying. Infections obtained in a medical facility are usually resistant to antibiotics. “Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are major causes of morbidity and mortality On the basis of data from death certificates, these infections are the 10th leading cause of death in the United States” (Wisplinghoff, Bischoff, Tallent, Seifert, Wenzel & Edmond, 2004, p. 309). Many lawsuits happen because of poor safety precautions. “Health Grades Inc., a U.S. company that evaluates safety and quality concerns in health facilities, reported that rates of hospital-acquired infections in the United States rose by 20% between 2000 and 2003, contributing to around 9,500 deaths” (Bailey & Ries, 2010, p. 141). Health care facilities and organizations have a legal obligation to protect patients from Nosocomial infection or any other harm while receiving medical care...
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...Capstone Project Abstract Background Hand washing and hand hygiene are consider to be the number one, cheap essential measure of preventing and controlling spread of hospital acquired infections (HAIs). Hand washing and hygiene can significantly reduce the burden of disease, in particular in hospitalized patient Unfortunately compliance to hand hygiene recommended standard procedures by the health care workers (HCWs) has been unacceptably poor. In order to design education program, identification of several risk factors associated with poor hand hygiene (HH) compliance is of extreme importance. Objective: The purpose of this study is to implement a hand hygiene program for increase compliance with hand hygiene among health care worker in 97 beds hospital. The key target for compliance to HH is not only health-care workers but also policy-makers and organizational leaders and managers. Methods.: Compliance to hand hygiene will be evaluated through direct observation of HCWs ,to helps pinpoint areas of strength or weaknesses in HH behavior, so as to develop training program that will help HCWs to complaint with HH . Evaluation will be based on direct observation and survey audit, observing the HCWs during routine patient care to ensure that hands hygiene are performed before and after getting in contact with patient and patient environment. In addition, survey audit based on the HCWs perception, knowledge and attitude...
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...Queensland, AUSTRALIA Department of Health and Ageing, Commonwealth Government, Canberra ACT, AUSTRALIA What's new This review updates the existing review of "Gowning by attendants and visitors in newborn nurseries for prevention of neonatal morbidity and mortality" which was published in The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2003 (Webster 2003). No new trials were identified as a result of this updated search. The conclusions of the review are unchanged. Text of review Synopsis Gowning by attendants and visitors in newborn nurseries for prevention of neonatal morbidity and mortality Newborn nurseries and neonatal intensive care units often require staff and visitors to wear overgowns with the intention of preventing the spread of infection. It has also been thought that putting on an overgown will remind people to wash...
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...foundation of preventing nosocomial infections throughout the hospital. It has been taught for several generations that hand hygiene is effectively accomplish through the use of handwashing with soap and water. Unfortunately, studies have shown that handwashing practices have fallen out, which have led to a noticeably low compliance rate with health care workers. This in turn has led to an increase of nosocomial infections, and has had a negative impact on improving the health of patients who rely on physicians, nurses and other ancillary staff who have direct contact with them. Fortunately, an introduction of a new product has been able to change the statistical data with low compliance rate for hand hygiene. Some facilities have introduced the use of alcohol-based hand rubs as an alternative to the conventional handwashing techniques to help decrease the rate of nosocomial infections. There are several factors that indicate a better efficacy rate with using hand rubs versus handwashing. Studies have shown that health care workers have listed barriers and constraints that prevent them from practicing proper hand hygiene; therefore, leading to a low compliance rate. The effect of this low compliance rate leads to longer hospital stays, the development of resistant bacterial infections, and consequently a higher mortality rate among the patients. Research suggests that using alcohol based handrubbing solution is more effective in preventing nosocomial infection versus standard hand...
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...Intensive Care Unit: A Multimodal Intervention and Impact on Nosocomial Infection Barbara C.C. Lam, Josephine Lee and Y.L. Lau Pediatrics 2004;114;e565; originally published online October 18, 2004; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2004-1107 The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is located on the World Wide Web at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/114/5/e565.full.html PEDIATRICS is the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. A monthly publication, it has been published continuously since 1948. PEDIATRICS is owned, published, and trademarked by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 141 Northwest Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, Illinois, 60007. Copyright © 2004 by the American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 0031-4005. Online ISSN: 1098-4275. Downloaded from pediatrics.aappublications.org at University of Southern Queensland Library on August 5, 2014 Hand Hygiene Practices in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Multimodal Intervention and Impact on Nosocomial Infection Barbara C.C. Lam, MBBS, FRCP(Edin, Lond.), FRCPCH(UK), FHKCPaed; Josephine Lee, RN, MSN; and Y.L. Lau, MD (Hons), FRCP(Edin, Glasg. Lond.) FRCPCH(UK) ABSTRACT. Objective. Health care–associated infections persist as a major problem in most neonatal intensive care units. Hand hygiene has been singled out as the most important measure in preventing hospital-acquired infection. However, hand hygiene compliance among health care workers...
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...hospital admissions, which will increase patient wellness and therefore outcomes. The pediatric population does not always have the same clinical findings as adults when they are in septic shock and therefore are not always given timely, appropriate treatment. Introducing pediatric shock guidelines for fluid resuscitation and antibiotic administration should help to improve morbidity and mortality surrounding this illness. Pediatric ICU patients are also at risk for falls due to their young age, narcotic administration, climbing out of cribs/beds and many other factors. Having a falls risk protocol in place will help to reduce injuries that may occur as a result of accidental falls. Pediatric ICU patients are at risk of acquiring a nosocomial infection. Providing excellent...
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...The goal of Nightingale Community Hospital is to establish a comprehensive Infection Control Program to ensure that the hospital has processes in place to minimize/eliminate the risk of Surgical Site Infections (SSI) and Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) B. The Infection Control Program at this hospital incorporates the following on an ongoing basis: i. Surveillance/identification, prevention/control, and reporting of infections throughout the hospital not limited to patients, employees, or physicians focusing on Nosocomial Infections (Endogenous infections and cross contamination infections) 1. Nosocomial Infections: known as hospital acquired infections are infections are not presenting at the time of admission but develop over the course of stay. a. Endogenous: the patient already has the infection at the time of admission minus the signs/symptoms of such infection but resistance lowers over course of stay and infection presents b. Cross Contamination: patient becomes infected while staying in the hospital by coming in contact with infective agents subsequently developing an infection ii. Evaluate and monitor the results of changes made 2. Continually edit procedures and policies as needed iii. Select and implement best techniques to minimize negative outcomes 3. Separate the infection source from the rest of the hospital (aspetic techniques included) ...
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...is the second most common nosocomial infection. HAP consists of approximately fifteen percent of all hospital-acquired infections and occurs in five to fifteen percent of every 1,000 admissions. Critical care nurses are presented with unique challenges when caring for patients who are at risk for developing VAP. Strategies must be developed using evidence-based practice and incorporated into daily care in order to prevent VAP in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. ICU Doctors, Nurse Educators and the DON on the ICU unit are currently responsible for our current oral care practice. Our hospital is currently using (OAG), which stands for Eiders’ Oral Assessment Guide, it measures a patient’s oral health status and the frequency of oral hygiene. This tool measures oral health by using 8 different categories: swallow, lips, tongue, saliva, mucous membranes, gingiva, teeth, and voice. They are graded 1 (best), 2, or 3 (worst). Normal findings would be a score of 8, whereas 24 would be the total worst score in all 8 categories. I will now explain how using evidence based practice and OAG can improve the oral health of patients on ventilators. The conclusion will be supported by the research that I have obtained in this research project, which is decreasing the risk of pneumonia on patients who are on ventilators. The provided back ground information was relevant and direct. Hospitals could save millions of dollars by preventing nosocomial infections and using evidence based...
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