5.8 : Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

HAIs, increase morbidity and mortality rates, hospital stay lengths, and overall costs. They are an indicator of the quality of patient care and adverse events and are a patient safety issue.

However, HAIs are preventable, and healthcare agencies apply various measures to reduce their prevalence.

The agencies' continuous surveillance helps to develop new approaches to prevent HAIs.

Monitoring the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms, decontaminating the treatment environment and equipment, and antimicrobial stewardship lowers their incidence.

In addition, training all healthcare workers on infection control practices plays a vital role in preventing HAIs.

Staff should follow institutional guidelines and apply standard and transmission-based precautions such as using personal protective equipment.

Nurses can avoid contracting or passing on HAIs by keeping themselves healthy, meeting their nutritional needs, and ensuring they do not come to work if they feel unwell.

Additionally, handwashing with soap and water or alcohol rub is essential for maintaining personal hygiene and preventing HAIs.