Preventive Measures to Prevent the Development of Pathogenic Forms

Subject: Healthcare Research
Pages: 1
Words: 376
Reading time:
2 min
Study level: College

In fact, a significant challenge in the clinical environment is not only to optimize treatment and find more effective and faster ways to treat the patient but also to take decisive preventive measures. Prophylaxis of clinical equipment, medical uniforms, and hand materials using highly reliable sterilizing agents is a priority for hospital staff in the fight against pathogens (Thompson, 2017). Tiny bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa can not only infect untreated surfaces but can persist in acting on them for months at a time. In turn, this raises serious concerns, as such organisms tend to be highly resistant to antibiotics, which means that treatment for the infections in question is a challenge. In this sense, it is appropriate to consider some valuable strategies that can be implemented by health workers to inhibit the spread of pathogens.

The immediate solution is personal hygiene, which includes regular hand washing. The staff should wash their hands thoroughly under warm water and soap for twenty seconds before each patient, before examinations, before and after breaks: antibacterial cream should also be used afterward. The second step is also relevant for each staff member because it includes training. Clinic management should take care in advance to transfer knowledge to employees about the importance of hygiene, the consequences of ignoring the rules, and possible penalties. It is crucial to convince healthcare workers of the need for adequate antibiotic use so as not to initiate the development of resistance. Among other things, the use of sterile gloves by each doctor or nurse, which are changed several times during a shift, is a requirement. The third step is the rule of regular disinfection of surfaces, not only at the beginning and end of the shift but also every time after a patient: this includes treating tables, couches, chairs, and faucets. Basic strategies also include changing linens and towels daily and disinfecting floors. Finally, the fifth step is more extensive because it requires an overhaul of the clinic system. Management must take care to develop an accommodation policy that discourages unwanted contact. For example, an immunocompromised patient should not be placed near an infectious disease unit. Taken together, these are valuable tools for preventing the spread of pathogens with the potential to harm patients and staff.

Reference

Thompson, M. (2017). 10 steps to preventing spread of infection in hospitals. NHCPS. Web.