The Implementation Of Infection Control

1. Understanding epidemiologic concepts of the chain of transmission of organisms from host to victim, describe how EH could have been infected.

The spread of infection requires three elements. The first is; A source of infecting microorganisms: This could be an exogenous infection which arises from microorganisms external to the individual and do not exist as normal flora. They usually have a preferred portal of entry like the gastrointestinal for Salmonella. Another source is endogenous infections which can occur when part of the client’s flora becomes altered and an overgrowth results e.g. Yeasts infection. Second requirement is means of transmission for the microorganism, which also explains the three primary modes of pathogen transmission. For example, vertical transmission is when a pathogen is

| UNIT 4222- 264 THE PRINCIPLES OF INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL | | | |

All infection prevention and control measures that are involved in managing and preventing these infections.

1. Explain employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection.

In this assignment I am going to explain how infections are caused by, bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. I will then explain how pathogenic microorganisms grow and spread.

The Nurses and Domestic Assistants need to seek advice from the managers and specialist personnel such as microbiologists or the Infection Control Team. They can then repeat the advice to other staff and to the family and visitors of the patient. The managers then get advice from The Department of Health, Databases and the Infection Control Team. They then give advice to the Care and Non-care staff as mentioned above.

Infection control and prevention extends beyond treating the patient. It encompasses all who work and visit the facility including medical staff, administrative staff, volunteers, vendors, and

To expose to the chance of injury or loss for example using harsh chemicals like bleach in a work in a care home their is always a risk of someone venerable not knowing what substance it is and drinking it or using it for something other than cleaning

The epidemilogic triangle describes the relationships and interactions among the infectious agent, the host, and

Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites can be transmitted to patients via poor quality cross infection control measures e.g. inadequate cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising of instruments, equipments and surfaces around the hospital

As a leader in health care, it is important that employees have the proper education and training for compliance with infection control. An infection control practitioner should be assigned surveillance of infections, calculate infection rates, and report these numbers to the appropriate personnel. Clinical nurses, such as nurses, should have periodic evaluations to ensure they are practicing patient safety. There are many other key factors that should be implemented in health care facilities to improve infection control. First is hand hygiene; there could be random observers periodically monitoring a certain floor or department for hand sanitation practices. Secondly, is the health care environment. This includes, making sure employees are sanitizing surfaces and equipment, educating visitors and families on infection control measures, and properly using personal protective equipment. Improper use, wear, and removal of personal protective equipment can cause serious health consequences to the worker and the patients, which means employees need be continuously trained and educated on this equipment.

There are 6 elements that make up the chain of infection and they are as follows; infectious agent, reservoir of source, Portal of exit from reservoir of source, means of transmission, portal of entry to host, and susceptible host. When the link in this chain is broken then the spreading of Pathogenic microorganisms

The priority nursing diagnosis of hospital acquired infection is risk for any kind of infection. One of the main goals for each patient in the hospital is the patient will remain free of infection as evidence by absence of heat, pain, redness, or swelling in any area of the patient’s body during each nurse’s shift. (care plan book). Frequently hand washing is the best intervention for preventing infection. Hand washing reduces the risk of transmission of pathogens by inhibiting the growth of or killing the microorganisms. (cb)Proper sterile technique during urinary

Infection control within a healthcare facility is the prevention of the spread of many microorganisms from patient to patient, patient to a member of staff and also from the staff member to the patient that are in there care. The World Health Organisation have defined healthcare associated infections as an infection occurring in a patient in a hospital or other healthcare facility in whom the infection was not present or incubating at the time of admission. Every healthcare facility from hospitals to general practitioners office should have a designated member of staff or a team of people who ensure that the infection control procedures are abided by and adhered to at all times in order to protect both staff and patients. More than 300,000 people each year are affected by a healthcare associated infection and the cost of treatment for these patients is over £3,000 and there is also the cost of treatment after discharge.