Infection Control: Best Practices and Advances in Prevention

Tony Brennan
Infection control is a crucial aspect of healthcare that aims to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases. It encompasses a range of measures and practices that aim to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the community at large from the transmission of pathogens. While infection control has always been important in healthcare settings, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role that effective infection control plays in controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

Despite the importance of infection control, there is still a significant gap between the recommended practices and their implementation in healthcare facilities. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect approximately one in 31 hospitalised patients in the United States, resulting in around 75,000 deaths each year.

Whilst the exact rate of healthcare-associated infections in hospitalised patients across the world is difficult to estimate due to variations in surveillance methods, definitions, and reporting practices in different countries and regions, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), HAIs are a major public health problem worldwide and affect millions of patients every year. It is estimated that at any point in time, approximately 1.4 million people worldwide suffer from infections acquired in healthcare facilities. In high-income countries, the incidence of HAIs is estimated to be between 3% and 10%, while in low- and middle-income countries, the rate can be up to 20 times higher.

These infections are often preventable with proper infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

In this post, we will explore some of the best practices and advances in infection control to help healthcare professionals keep their patients and staff safe.

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions: The Foundation of Infection Control

Effective infection control begins with the use of standard precautions and transmission-based precautions. Standard precautions refer to a set of practices that aim to prevent the transmission of infectious agents from both recognised and unrecognised sources of infection. Transmission-based precautions, on the other hand, are used for patients who are known or suspected to be infected with a particular pathogen.

Taking a proactive approach to standard and transmission-based precautions is critical to preventing the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings. In fact, a recent study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that implementing a bundle of infection control interventions, including standard and transmission-based precautions, can significantly reduce the incidence of HAIs.

For example, a hospital in the United Kingdom was able to reduce the incidence of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections by implementing a comprehensive infection control program that included standard and transmission-based precautions. The program involved educating staff on proper hand hygiene and PPE use, as well as implementing environmental cleaning protocols and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.

Hand Hygiene: The Most Important Infection Control Measure

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In healthcare settings, hand hygiene is essential for healthcare workers to protect themselves and their patients from the transmission of pathogens. Unfortunately, studies show that hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers is often suboptimal.

According to the World Health Organisation, healthcare-associated infections affect hundreds of millions of patients worldwide each year. Proper hand hygiene can prevent up to 50% of these infections. Yet, a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that healthcare workers comply with hand hygiene guidelines only about 40% of the time.

To improve hand hygiene compliance, healthcare facilities are turning to new technologies, such as electronic hand hygiene monitoring systems. These systems use sensors to detect when healthcare workers enter and exit patient rooms, and remind them to perform hand hygiene if they forget. A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that implementing an electronic hand hygiene monitoring system increased hand hygiene compliance from 30% to 70%.

Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection: Innovations in Infection Control

Environmental cleaning and disinfection are critical components of infection control in healthcare settings. Proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment can help prevent the transmission of infectious agents. However, studies have shown that healthcare facilities often fall short in their cleaning and disinfection practices.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that less than half of hospital surfaces were cleaned and disinfected regularly. Another study found that healthcare workers were more likely to clean and disinfect surfaces that were visibly soiled, but failed to clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces that appeared clean.

To improve environmental cleaning and disinfection practices, healthcare facilities are turning to new technologies, such as ultraviolet-C (UV-C) disinfection systems. These systems use UV-C light to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces and equipment. A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that adding UV-C disinfection to standard cleaning and disinfection protocols reduced the incidence of HAIs by 30%.

Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Healthcare Settings

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for healthcare workers to protect themselves and their patients from the transmission of infectious diseases. PPE includes items such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection. However, PPE use is only effective if used correctly and consistently.

A recent study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that healthcare workers frequently make errors when using PPE, such as failing to remove contaminated gloves or gowns before leaving a patient room. These errors can lead to the transmission of infectious agents.

To improve PPE use, healthcare facilities are implementing training programs and visual aids, such as posters and videos, to demonstrate proper PPE use. A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that providing staff with visual aids and training on proper PPE use significantly increased compliance with PPE guidelines.

Improving Infection Control Practices: A Collaborative Effort

Infection control is a critical aspect of healthcare that aims to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases. Healthcare facilities have made significant strides in improving infection control practices, but there is still much work to be done. By implementing best practices, such as standard and transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene, environmental cleaning and disinfection, and proper use of PPE, healthcare professionals can help prevent the transmission of infectious agents and protect their patients and staff.

New technologies, such as electronic hand hygiene monitoring systems and UV-C disinfection systems, can help improve infection control practices. However, these technologies are not a substitute for proper training and education on infection control practices. Healthcare professionals must remain vigilant and stay up-to-date on best practices and advances in infection control to ensure the safety of their patients and staff. By working together, we can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and improve the overall quality of healthcare.
References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). https://www.cdc.gov/hai/index.html

Pittet, D., Allegranzi, B., Sax, H., Bertinato, L., Concia, E., & Cookson, B. (2011). Considerations for a WHO European strategy on healthcare-associated infection, surveillance, and control. Journal of Hospital Infection, 77(3), 199-205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2010.09.004

World Health Organization. (2019). WHO guidelines on hand hygiene in health care: first global patient safety challenge. https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241597906

Carling, P. C., Parry, M. F., Rupp, M. E., Po, J. L., & Dick, B. (2010). Improving cleaning of the environment surrounding patients in 36 acute care hospitals. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 31(2), 103-108. https://doi.org/10.1086/649796

Alhmidi, H., & Koganti, S. (2021). Improving personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance in healthcare workers through education and visual feedback. American Journal of Infection Control, 49(3), 288-289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2020.08.010
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