Nursing Contract: what are Infections Control Strategies - Essay Example

Nursing Contract Introduction What are infections Control Strategies? Infection control strategies is a term that is used to basically refer to those activities and procedure that are implemented with the aim of minimizing or preventing the eventual risk of transmission of infectious diseases within a given location or environment. Persons working within a hospital or clinical environment are constantly at risk of being infected with some infectious diseases such as hepatitis C, HIV or even Hepatitis B (Bennett et al, 475). This is, in addition to the constant exposure to a wide range of microbiological agents within the hospital environment. The success of any infection control strategy is mainly dependent on efforts made at ensuring that the working environment is kept as safe as possible. This normally entails the identification of any biological and environmental hazards as well as making initiatives aimed at classifying any associated risks and eventually implementing some relevant control and preventive measures (Rhinehart and Friedman 86). These guidelines are found to be useful in the provision of a basis that will help the personnel working in areas that are classified to be high risk areas, in the development of protocols that will be found to be well detailed and have measures aimed at covering system infection control that will be specific to the said environment. Such detailed protocols will be found to be useful in the provision of general assistance in any intended reduction of the risk exposure as well as minimizing the likelihood of infection transmission. Through several policies that have been made by the NSW health, the government has been shown to be quite active in ensuring that there are adequate policies governing infection control strategies. Its policy document has been drawn with the aim of make certain that the wellbeing of all guests and patients in a healthcare setting. The NSW policy document categorically points out that medical practitioner will be deemed as having disobeyed the law if they happen to fail to comply with the guidelines and policies contained in NSW infection control regulations. It goes on to point out that The OH&S Act of 2000, points out that an employer is solely responsible for ensuring that his workers are adequately protected against any potential infections while they are in the course of doing their work. The employers should ensure that they develop effective infection control strategies that will help them attain the objectives of this legislation (NSW Health 1). How to apply basic infection control strategies It is often found that infections in a health care setting can easily spread from one person to another. This can happen via several avenues including, when an infected patient is receiving healthcare service, they may unknowingly infect fellow patients. Health workers are often infected in the course of their duty as they are busy carrying out health care duties and hospital workers and other persons who happen to interact or work with patients in a mostly healthcare environment setting also run a high risk of infection. This transmission of infectious diseases is commonly referred to as cross infection (Bennett et al, 477). Efforts aimed at the implementation of basic infection control strategies are generally aimed at effecting some standard precautions. These standard precautions are designed to envelope three major areas which are; Ensuring the promotion of safe work practices during the treatment and care of all the clients visiting a health facility regardless of their presumed or even known infection status is crucial. These standard precautionary measures are designed to cover the protection of both the healthcare workers as well as the patients visiting the facility. The basic standards are designed in such a way that the hospital staff always maintains the minimum required infection control levels in all situations and settings in the hospital. The key components of a well-planned infection control program includes the implementation of an infection control committee, the creation of a widely researched and sell disseminated infection control plan, the acquisition of the services of an infection control professional who will be key in spearheading the entire program and ensuring that the program receives adequate administrative support that will be necessary in the undertaking of some of the core infection control functions and responsibilities(Bennett et al, 477). The infection control professional will be charged with the responsibility of developing the infection control plan and ensuring that any necessary resources that the plan might require are procured and provided. The infection control committee is instrumental as it is the main body that is responsible for helping the infection control professional in the development of the infection control program. This committee may be comprised of professionals such as the hospital’s nursing director, consulting pharmacists and medical director. The services of other professionals such as representatives from the environmental and therapy services may also be procured (Bennett et al 477). Among the recommendations made by the various government bodies include that healthcare facilities should try to develop and implement basic systems that will be used in measuring any improvements that can be directly attributed to the adherence by the hospital’s personnel to the laid down policies guiding the stemming of the rate at which infectious diseases spread within the health facility (Rhinehart and Friedman 100). These Standard precautions can be viewed as work practices that are required in the implementation of basic infection control strategies. They include practices such as: Hand Hygiene The diligent adherence to basic hand hygiene routines which normally involve frequent hand washing or the use of hand rubs that are alcohol based has been shown to drastically reduce the rate of transmission of pathogens resulting in the termination of any potential infectious disease outbreaks in a hospital situation.Several bodies have played a major role in the publication of several guidelines that have been created with the intention of promoting improved basic hand hygiene in organizations that majorly have a health care facility setting(Rhinehart and Friedman 100). During the evaluation of some of the hand washing products that are available for use in a heath care setting, it is important for the committee procuring the product to ensure that they put into consideration the effectiveness of the given product at destroying several pathogens as well as how well, the staff at the hospital happens to receive product. Some of the product’s characteristics that can happen to greatly affect its usage and, therefore, its acceptance as well include its color, smell, consistency, and its overall effect on the user’s hands dryness (Bennett et al, 478). Covering breaks in a Client’s skin. Ensuring that there is adequate waterproof covering the spread over any break in a patient’s skin: These guidelines normally relate to any exposure that might involve blood or any other potentially infectious body fluid such as saliva, urine, semen or body tissue. In the event that one is exposed, they should ensure that they immediately wash the exposed site with soap and clean water. They should also try and inform an appropriate person who will be able to ensure that any necessary assistance is provided (Funnell et al 343). The Implementation of Microbiological Practices The maintenance of effective microbiological practices such as the use of skin disinfects and relevant antiseptic techniques. The Use of Protective Coverings Health workers and other persons who come into contact with patients should ensure that they always use adequate personal protective equipment such aprons, gloves, gowns, eye protection and face-shields. The Handling of Contaminated Wastes The organizations should also try and implement appropriate procedures to be used in the disposal and handling of any contaminated wastes in the organization. Sharp Objects Measures that are aimed at ensuring that the organization has well developed procedures to be used in the disposal of any sharp objects by the organization should also be instigated. Sharp objects can generally be defined as any items that happen to have relatively sharp cutting edges or points that are found to be capable of inflicting injury to people by piercing the human skin when wrongly handled. These instruments include items such as scalpel blades, hypodermic needles and broken glasses. Sharp objects are found to be major causes of accident incidences, and they are sometimes seen to expose the injured individuals to blood borne diseases. Care should be taken to ensure that in the handling of bodily fluids and blood, the use of any sharp objects is minimized or even eliminated altogether (Harris 703). Regular Vaccinations All members of staff that directly handle and deal with patients should receive regular vaccinations against the common infectious diseases that they may happen to come across in their line of duty. It is also vital for all staff members to ensure that they constantly maintain their own vaccination and screening records. These records should be made available for inspection at times when they are required. It falls upon the duties of the hospital’s supervisor to ensure that all the members of staff receive all the required vaccinations. The vaccinations administered to the staff members are mostly dependent on the type of work that they happen to undertake. Measures should also be taken to make certain that the hospital staff do not undertake to perform any work duties that may happen to involve their coming into contact with infectious material, body substances or blood until they are able to provide the required appropriate vaccination records (Jekel et al. 253). Airborne Isolation Airborne isolation should essentially be used for patients who happen to be suspected of having been infected with infectious diseases whose infection agents are mostly airborne in nature. Infection via these agents is mostly via tiny secretions from the respiratory tract that are commonly referred to as airborne droplet nuclei. These droplets when ejected into the atmosphere are able to remain suspended in the atmosphere and can thus be widely dispersed by any air currents that might exist in the room. These droplets are sometimes dispersed over long distances in the event that they are ejected into the outside environment (Rhinehart and Friedman 101). Some of the most widespread diseases that are transmitted via airborne droplet nuclei include tuberculosis, measles and small pox. In recent times, the transmission of SARS has also been attributed to airborne disease transmission (Bennett et al, 477). Appropriate Medical Device and Equipment Handling The NSW health policy guidelines stipulate that care should be taken to ensure that a personnel handling any patient care equipment that happens to have been soiled with body substances and blood is carefully handled in a manner that will effectively prevent any chances of the healthcare worker’s mucous membrane and skin coming into contact with the contaminated items. The policy also stresses on the fact that any re-usable equipment should not in any way be used in the care of any other patient unless the said equipment has been adequately reprocesses or cleaned. Items that are meant for single use must be discarded after their use (NSW Health 17). Rationale for color coding Color coding of hospital cleaning materials and equipment make certain that these items are not used in several areas, something that lead to reduced risk of cross-infection. Currently, there is no single color coding scheme designed to streamline the existing schemes. Studies have documented that high standard of cleanliness in the healthcare system is essential in reducing healthcare acquired infections and outbreaks of communicable diseases. It is also apparent that a clean environment provides the right setting for effective patient care practices. Moreover, patients have high expectations in regard to clean healthcare facilities. In light with this, all healthcare staff should be aware of and the use of the policy. Cleanliness in hospitals should go beyond maintain a clean and safe environment. This gives visitors and patients an impression of how the staff, managers, and other hospital stakeholders contribute to the standards of the hospital. This includes the care level, quality of services/treatment offered, and general standards of the hospital. In light with this, this paper will give an overview of the importance of nurses acquiring the knowledge of keeping the patient environment clean and safe. Although much of the deliberations of this paper revolve around maintenance of cleanliness in NHS and ward environments, it is worth arguing that the findings of this paper can be applied equally to the private sector and especially on areas pertaining primary care. It is apparent that patients rate cleanliness very high. In fact, they are entitled, and expect, to be treated and cared for in a clean, tidy, and pleasant way. Some studies have found out that quality of environment has a direct impact on clinical outcomes for patients. Although modern matrons have been cited to have taken the lead in ensuring that cleanliness standards are met, not many nurses have been found to have limited knowledge about the actual process and mechanisms regarding hospital cleanliness. In fact, some feel uncomfortable with the responsibility. In some situations, when cleaners are in the short term contracts or when the turnover rate is high, it becomes difficult for nurses to maintain standards. Ways of delivering cleaner healthcare facilities Patient environment action teams This should involve inspections from both national and local levels. Inspection agents should focus on inspections, reporting back the managers. It is apparent that, in every sector, there must be a clear protocol on how things should be run within the sector. With inspection agents in place, various hospitals would put more efforts in a bid to maintain a given level of cleanliness. However, inspection is not enough. There must be disciplinary measures designed for those hospitals that fail to comply with rules and regulations related to hospital cleanliness. In addition, it would be crucial to equally have a reward system put in place in order to encourage hospitals to maintain cleanliness. Funding from the government It is crucial to note that even with cleanliness measures in place, it would be tricky to uphold or achieve the intended level of cleanliness without adequate funds. The government and local trusts should be incorporated in the scheme in order to enhance the cleanliness. These funds should be used for various cleaning services. For example, the fund would be used to purchase necessary equipments required in the cleaning process. The funds should also be used to purchase various cleaning detergents and antiseptic components. In addition, even if the scheme to ensure hospital cleanliness and availability of funds can be put in place, it is indispensable to have well trained nurses especially on matters pertaining cleanliness. In this regard, availability of funds would enable the nurses to obtain the necessary training and skills in matters of hospital cleanliness. Moreover, funds should be used to fairly compensate nurses. This is a crucial concept because studies have documented that when workers are fairly compensated for their work, their morale tends to increase thus leading to improved service provision. In this regard, if nurses are well compensated, they would feel motivated thus improve the level of cleanliness in hospitals. Cleanliness as one of the key rating factors Cleanliness should be one of the several star rating indicators. This has a greatly impact on how hospitals manages their cleanliness concepts. In most situations, hospitals ted to concentrate on issues such as the ability to attend to many patients, availability of sophisticated medical equipments, and the highest number of physicians and nurses. However, as much as these factors play a crucial role in determining the rating indicators of hospitals, the inclusion of the level of cleanliness should also account for such ratings. In addition, it would be eminent to include cleanliness as part of planning priorities framework. Implementation of cleanliness programs Cleaning programs should be effectively focused and appropriately resourced with the highest level of consistency being applied in order to deliver top quality service. In this regard, trusts should be encouraged to make some local arrangements on how cleaning services for departments and wards would be conducted in hospitals. Specifically, there should be timelines on how cleaning should be done in hospitals. This should include frequencies at which cleaning should take place, persons responsible for cleaning, and individuals or entities responsible for making a judgment about the outcomes. Rationale for colour coding of items used for cleaning In a bid, to control infection, the identification of cleaning equipment used in different areas in the healthcare facilities is considered to be eminent. In this regard, clear identification by color coding of the various cleaning equipment is believed to be the most effectual means of restricting equipment to specific areas of health facility. The following color coding standards are considered crucial to healthcare facilities. Infectious and isolation areas – Yellow Toilets, bathrooms, and dirty utility rooms – Red Food services and preparation areas – Green General cleaning – Blue Operations theatres – White In light with this, all equipments used in the above mentioned areas need to be color coded as indicated. Such equipments include mops dry, mop handles, buckets, gloves, and cloths. However, any other equipment deemed necessary in the cleaning practice should be coded accordingly. Waste disposal process Waste disposal is a very crucial process in the effort to maintain cleanliness by hospitals. After color coding and waste collection, it is vital that such wastes be disposed accordingly. This crucial, because wastes like plastic used in hospitals are often infected because they get mixed up with other waste from the hospital. During picking time, some pickers handle them with their bare hands. In some situations, these materials are sold for recycling, but some of the dealers repackage them for sale. The first step in the preparation of medical waste disposal begins with classification of the waste. This can be done in several ways. In regard to basis of the content, medical wastes are classified into solid, liquid, gaseous and radioactive (Moulineaux 3). Therefore, wastes need to have a specific mode of disposal. For example, liquids can not be mixed with solid wastes during disposal. It is apparent that some wastes reacts with others especially some fluids when mixed with some metals. The other classification involves putting together of wastes on the basis of WHO classification. This includes general waste, sharp waste, infectious waste, chemical and pharmaceutical waste, and other hazardous waste (Harding and Klangsin 517). After classifying the waste, waste collection follows. The designated personnel should collect the waste containers in accordance with the routine program as part of the waste management plan. However, waste collectors must wear protective materials. The collection should be done in accordance with colored containers or bags (Daven and Klein 71). These materials should be closed. The content of the container must not exceed three quarters of its capacity. The collector should not drag over floor. Containers should be help from the top but not from the bottom. After the old container has been collected, a new container must be brought in to replace the old one. The quality management process It is apparent that most hospitals have health information system mandated to collect various data. However, most of them do not have a comprehensive data collection as they mainly focus on types of diseases treated, patients seen per day, and surgeries performed. In light with this, it is apparent that some of the crucial data are not collected since they are viewed as being less important. This includes waste management and infections arising from poor waste management (Graham 77). In this regard, most hospitals may not be in a position to have the collect information needed to draw conclusions on the quality of care and making of sound decisions on how to improve it. Therefore, a quality monitoring system should be put in place in a bid to assess hospital’s system’s performance in order to achieve desired outcomes. The quality management process should meet a certain criteria. Firstly, data should be collected regularly and on a span of a given time in order to allow hospitals to monitor trends in the indicator. This should be a routine activity, which should be integrated in the daily activities. Such collected data should be used to guide the management on the way forward (Graham 78). Conclusion Infection control refer to those activities and procedure that are implemented with the aim of minimizing or preventing the eventual risk of transmission of infectious diseases within a given location or environment. The success of any infection control strategy is mainly dependent on efforts made at ensuring that the working environment is kept as safe as possible. The NSW policy document categorically points out that medical practitioner will be deemed as having disobeyed the law if they happen to fail to comply with the guidelines and policies contained in NSW infection control regulations. Ensuring the promotion of safe work practices during the treatment and care of all the clients visiting a health facility regardless of their presumed or even known infection status is crucial. The basic standards are designed in such a way that the hospital staff always maintains the minimum required infection control levels in all situations and settings in the hospital. Color coding of hospital cleaning materials and equipment make certain that these items are not used in several areas. Studies have documented that high standard of cleanliness in the healthcare system is essential in reducing healthcare acquired infections and outbreaks of communicable diseases. Ways of delivering cleaner healthcare facilities include Patient environment action teams, Funding from the government, and Cleanliness as one of the key rating factors , Works cited: Graham, Nancy. Quality in health care: theory, application and evolution. Gaithersburg, Mar.: Aspen, 1995. Print. Moulineaux, Issy-les. Radioactive waste management programmes in OECD/NEA member countries : Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States. France: OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, 2005. Print. Daven, James and Klein, Robert. Progress in waste management research. New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2008. Print. Harding, Anna and Klangsin, Pornwipa. 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Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, cop. 2007. Print. Harris Randall. Epidemiology of chronic disease: global perspectives. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. 2012. Print. Read More