- Principles of good hygiene
- Importance of appropriate protective clothing
- Principles of isolation nursing
- Immunisation and infection control
- Management of outbreaks of infection
Another common practice is that when in health care workers look are looking at areas of a patient’s body which are prone to spread infection or are vulnerable to infection they wear protective clothing. This includes face masks and disposable gloves. This is done for two main reasons firstly so the workers themselves don’t get infected if the patient has an infection and secondly so the doctor does not pass down an infection to other patients by using the same set of gloves on two patients. It also ensures that the infection is kept within the room if it does come out. (Michie.V, 2008)
It is also important in health workplaces that the places are cleaned on a regular basis. This is because in this type of workplace it is likely that several people carrying infections will be present. Therefore if it is not cleaned on a regular basis these infections may pass onto other health service users through the bacteria around the floors and walls etc. Also this helps to control infection as well as it prevents those with infections getting worse as a result of exposure to other infections. (Ayling.P, 2007)
Also the bed sheets in health workplaces are changed often. This is because even without any bodily fluid on them, shared bed sheets can spread fungal infections and if there are bodily fluids they could also possibly spread bacterial and viral infections. This means they are changed regularly during the day and every new patient gets a fresh set of bed sheets. (Ayling.P, 2007)
Personal cleanliness promotes good health and well-being. Regular washing and attention to our personal hygiene helps to control the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi which spread and can later lead to the possibility of a disease spreading or someone getting infected. Personal protective equipment must also be worn by healthcare workers in any health care settings. This includes, aprons, gowns, gloves, eye protection and face masks. Such equipment is used to protect staff and patients and reduce opportunities for transmission of microorganisms in health care settings. These micro-organisms could be potentially dangerous and the cause for the spread of crucial diseases such as, rubella or MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), which is why this kind of equipment is highly important.
Isolation nursing is also another precaution which is used in health care settings to prevent the spread of infection. If a patient has a largely contagious infection such as tuberculosis and is being treated in a ward the patient is isolated from other patients. Any equipment or supplies which are used on the infected patient is kept separate from everyone else and is cleaned thoroughly. This is put into practice in order to ensure that the infection does not spread and that it is known exactly who has been exposed to the patient. This way they can take the necessary precautions to ensure that no one is exposed to the infection without being treated for it.
Immunisation is using a vaccine to protect people from getting a disease. Vaccines contain either small parts of the viruses or bacteria, which cause the disease or very small amounts of the chemicals these viruses, produce. When we are given a vaccine, either by injection or by mouth (as with polio vaccine), our bodies are stimulated to make substances called antibodies which defend us against future infections.
It is important that health and social care staff are immunised against common infections. This is because as they are working in an environment where they will come across infections often; if they are not immunised to common infections they are more likely to catch them. This could cause the infection to spread across their workplace (Michie.V, 2008)
The usual programme of infant vaccinations in the UK is spread out over several months, though most of the vaccinations are given in the first four months. It’s important to complete the course of vaccinations for maximum protection and minimum prevention of disease. The immunisations are available for: diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubells, mumps, tetanus, Haemophilus influenza type B, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella (chicken pox).
Finally, when working in a health care setting, the environment has to be safe in order to help reduce the spread of infection. Certain procedures take place, especially in hospitals, where infection control is concerned. For example, needles ,syringes, blades and other sharp instruments must be placed directly into a rigid sharps container immediately after use. Health carers are also advised to have a ‘sharps’ bin immediately to hand when using sharps equipment (such as needles) and they are reminded never to reheat, bend or break needles. Waste contaminated with blood or body fluids have to be discarded into clinical waste bags for incineration. All of these procedures help to keep the environment safe and risk free.
