6 Ways Health Workers Unknowingly Spread Deadly Bacteria

Working in a hospital requires special attention to hygiene practices, as the spread of germs occurs quickly and without much incentive. As a result, approximately 687,000 patients each year suffer from an infection associated with medical care, of which 72,000 die. In addition, the IAS should be on the rise. From 2016 to 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention increased HAI numbers in the country by 1 to 13%.

It is not clear what is behind this change, but it is clear that hospital staff play an important role in spreading and preventing the spread of germs. Below are some sources of evidence-based bacteria run by health professionals.

hands

According to CDC , studies show that health professionals wash their hands less than half the time they should. Depending on the number of patients you are treating, you may need to wash your hands 100 times during a 12-hour working period.

For optimal hand washing results, the CDC recommends:

• Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Wear gloves every time you treat a C. difficile patient (because an alcohol-based hand sanitizer does not kill him).
• Wash your hands before and after each interaction with the patient.

Courtesy of the CDC.

It should also take some time to clean easily ignorable areas such as cuticles and between the fingers. Since the dry skin of healthcare professionals on your hands can also lead to acute respiratory infections , use the CDC-approved lotion on a regular basis during your shift. If your hospital does not keep it, you need to let it know.

Remind your patients regularly to wash their hands .

LINK: Even "clean" hospital sheets carry life-threatening bacteria

dress

Many studies have shown that the clothes of hospital workers can contribute to infections, including scrubs and robes. In fact, that is why several governments, including the United Kingdom and Australia, have made a simple recommendation .

In a study from October 2017, a simulation revealed that 25% of physicians in a long-sleeved white coat had contaminated sleeves and wrists, compared with 0% of short-arm physicians. Similarly, a 2016 study found that nurses' scrubs were contaminated with bacteria after about 10% of the layers. The authors pointed out that physicians should pay more attention to wearing protective clothing when dealing with infected patients.

Wrong protocol when removing the protective clothing

Many of the benefits of wearing protective clothing disappear when doctors do not use the correct procedures when removing or "removing" them. A May 2019 study found that 39% of healthcare workers had abstinence and contaminated clothing as a result of interacting with the patient. Always follow the CDC guidelines for personal protective equipment .

Stethoscopes and other medical aids.

A study from 2018 found that stethoscopes are often loaded with several bacteria, such as staphylococci, that can cause fatal staphylococcal infections. Worse, many doctors do not cleanse their stethoscopes. Littman offers some recommendations:

• Clean your stethoscope with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution.
• Do not use hand sanitizer as a cleaning agent, as additives can damage parts of the stethoscope.
• Do not immerse your stethoscope in liquid and do not subject it to sterilization.
• Keep your stethoscope away from extreme heat, cold, solvents and oils.
• Adjustable membranes can be removed from the ceiling and their surfaces cleaned with alcohol or soapy water. Dry all parts completely before reassembling them.
• The earplugs can be removed from the tubes for thorough cleaning.

CONNECTION: You could risk your patient's life if you do not cleanse your stethoscope

Badges, blood pressure cuffs and pens are other items known to health workers.

Shoes

Hospital floors often contain dangerous bacteria. In a 2014 study , 22% of the surface had detected a methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus . 33% had vancomycin-resistant enterococci ; and 72% had C. difficile. Of course, your shoes have the largest contact with the ground. So wash your hands after touching your shoes.

phones

MedPage Today reported in June 2019 that around 40 percent of nurse cell phones are contaminated with bacteria. Remember to periodically sterilize your device with bleach or alcohol to remove the most enduring bacteria such as C. difficile, dr. Dubert Guerrero, specialist in infectious diseases at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota, says the New York Times .

While a certain amount of bacteria is inevitable in healthcare facilities, these effects can be reduced by reviewing best practices for cleaning and rubbing the hands.

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