Fighting and controlling infection in the medical community is everyone’s responsibility. You can do your part by knowing the common preventative measures to avoid the spread of infection. The most effective way to prevent infection is to destroy the germs when they are on your hands, equipment or furniture.
To prevent the spread if infection, all hospital staff must practice the basic principle of medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis, otherwise known as clean technique aims at reducing germs and their access to patients. Surgical asepsis or surgical technique has to do with keeping areas and equipment free of germs to make sure all medical procedures are sterile.
Preventative Measures
The following list of general methods are effective ways to destroy germs:
- Decontamination – Makes objects safer to handle before they are cleaned.
- Antiseptics – Stops the growth of germs.
- Cleaning – Removes germs from the skin using soap and water.
- Disinfection – Destroys germs on objects and equipment.
- Sterilization – Destroys germs on surgical instruments.
- Protective Clothing – Prevents the spread of germs on clothes.
- Proper Disposal – Bodily waste, dressings and infected articles need to be isolated.
Along with destroying infectious germs, there are many techniques that you can utilize to help prevent the spread of infection. The following tips will help protect your patients and yourself from infection:
- Keep patient areas clean.
- Equipment such as bedpans and commodes should be frequently emptied and stored in their proper place.
- Store hygiene equipment in the proper location.
- Keep patients clean.
- Don’t touch the inner surface of glasses or plates.
- Pick up eating utensils by the handles.
- Keep patients water pitchers clean and all food covered.
- Don’t shake off linens.
- Don’t breathe into patients faces.
- Wash hands frequently
- Keep current on any vaccinations.
- Never put supplies on the floor.
- Wear protective clothing.
- Empty drainage bottles before they become full.
- If you have any question regarding the sterility of an object, assume the object is unsterile.
Patient and Family Education
At times, it may be necessary to educate the patient and their family about the proper precautionary measures regarding infection. When doing this, carefully explain why restrictions are necessary and let the patient and family ask questions and discuss their concerns. Sometimes, the best lesson for patient and family members will be demonstrated through your example.
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