Best Practices in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) at UHWI
A guide to best practices in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) at the University Hospital of the West Indies.
Importance of IPC in a University Hospital Setting
Patient Safety
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) plays a critical role in protecting patients from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased morbidity, and even mortality.
Staff Safety
IPC practices also protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents, ensuring their health and well-being and preventing the spread of infections within the hospital environment.
Resource Management
Effective IPC reduces the burden of HAIs on the healthcare system, minimizing the need for expensive treatments and hospital resources.
Hand Hygiene: The Foundation of IPC
Before and After Patient Contact
The most crucial step in IPC is frequent and effective hand hygiene. Healthcare workers should wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after each patient contact.
After Contact with Contaminated Surfaces
Hand hygiene is essential after touching any contaminated surfaces, including medical equipment, patient belongings, and the environment.
Before and After Performing Procedures
Hand hygiene should be performed before and after any procedure, including injections, wound care, and medication administration.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage Guidelines
Gloves
Wear gloves when handling blood, body fluids, and contaminated items. Choose appropriate glove type for the task.
Gowns
Wear gowns to protect clothing from contamination when handling blood, body fluids, or infectious materials.
Masks
Wear masks to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets when caring for patients with respiratory infections or performing procedures that generate aerosols.
Eye Protection
Wear eye protection to protect the eyes from splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials.
Safe Injection Practices
1
Single-Use Needles
Always use single-use needles and syringes to prevent the transmission of bloodborne infections.
2
Proper Needle Disposal
Dispose of used needles and syringes properly in puncture-resistant containers to prevent accidental needle sticks.
3
Aseptic Technique
Strict adherence to aseptic technique during injections reduces the risk of introducing microorganisms into the bloodstream.
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of all surfaces, including floors, walls, furniture, and equipment, is essential to remove microorganisms and maintain a hygienic environment.
Disinfection
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, bedside tables, and medical equipment, with appropriate disinfectants.
Isolation Precautions
Implement isolation precautions for patients with infectious diseases to prevent the spread of infection to others.
Reprocessing of Medical Devices
1
Cleaning
Thorough cleaning of medical devices is the first step in reprocessing, removing visible debris and organic matter.
2
Disinfection
Disinfection eliminates most microorganisms from medical devices using appropriate disinfectants.
3
Sterilization
Sterilization, the final stage, kills all microorganisms using methods like heat, steam, or chemicals.
Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette
1
2
3
1
Cover Mouth and Nose
2
Dispose of Tissues
3
Hand Hygiene
Encourage patients, visitors, and staff to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissues properly and practice hand hygiene after.
IPC During Outbreaks and Pandemics
1
Surveillance
Implement active surveillance to detect and monitor potential outbreaks early.
2
Isolation
Isolate patients with confirmed or suspected infections to prevent further spread.
3
Contact Tracing
Identify and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to infectious agents.
Continuous Training and Monitoring for IPC Compliance
Provide regular training to healthcare workers on IPC best practices, including hand hygiene, PPE usage, and isolation procedures. Regularly monitor compliance and address any gaps in knowledge or practice.