In any healthcare facility, one of the most challenging situations is to deal with the infection. And to tackle this critical aspect of healthcare nurses play an important role. They always follow set protocols, and procedures hence ensuring a safe environment, keeping it free from preventable infection for the patients and other staff. In India, CAHO (Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organisations) is a recognised institution to offer several healthcare programs to upskill healthcare professionals, and one such highly recommended program is Infection Control Nurse Course. It will help nurses to stay updated with the latest technologies to fight as well as prevent the spread of infection. Here in this blog, we will learn about five key ways nursing staff use infection control practices to make healthcare safer for everyone.
Hand Hygiene
Safe healthcare starts from hand hygiene. It is one of the most basic measures to prevent the spread of infection. Nurses undergo thorough training laid down by WHO as “Five Moments for Hand Hygiene” and learn it. They always follow the protocols and are taught to wash their hands systematically before and after looking after the patients, using medical equipment, or coming into contact with body fluids. It is mandatory for them to maintain proper hand hygiene, whether with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers, as it would help everyone to significantly minimize the chance of spreading illnesses like flu and even COVID-19. Hand hygiene guidelines ensure that nurses safeguard both themselves and their patients from hazardous germs.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Now everyone is aware of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), especially after facing covid 19. PPE is extremely essential as it maintains a barrier between the person and potential sources of infection. It is a kit, that consists of things like gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields. These are designed precisely and the design depends on the type of patient interaction. If any nurse is looking after a patient with airborne infections, then they should wear N95 masks to prevent the inhalation of the germs. Nurses are trained to wear and remove the PPE properly to prevent contamination ensure their safety as well as minimise the spread of infections within healthcare facilities and protect vulnerable patients from unnecessary exposure.
Sterilization and Disinfection of Equipment
Nurse Medical equipment, may it be a thermometer or a surgical tool, may carry bacteria, viruses, and fungi if not thoroughly cleansed. Nurses ensure that reusable medical devices are adequately sanitised between multiple uses, and they ensure that each single-use item is properly disposed of. All such are precautionary measures and lower the possibility of cross-contamination among patients.
Isolation Precautions
Nurses always follow isolation precautions if they are treating patients with contagious illnesses. It helps prevent the spread of infections from one patient to another person may it be staff, visitors, or another patient. These precautions include isolating the patient properly separately, controlling the visitor’s flow, and employing specialised equipment. Nurses are trained to follow extra instructions while caring for solitary patients to avoid spreading infections.
Education and Training
Nurse undergoes regular training and attends workshops to learn the latest ways to prevent and control infection. They not only learn and follow the latest practices through training sessions, mock drills, and workshops on infection prevention but are also responsible for educating patients and their families about infection control measures, such as proper handwashing techniques, wound care, and the importance of vaccinations.
Infection prevention and control is an important aspect of quality healthcare services. If you are one of the healthcare organisations in India, you must explore the website of CAHO and get your staff trained. Visit now!