1. Healthcare Associated Infections

Question 1

What are the complications of HAI’s?

Answer 1

Complicates recovery from illness/trauma
Extends hospital stay
Delay return to normal activity
Increases stress on patients, families & carers
Incurs costs for patients, families & carers

Question 2

How can you reduce HAI’s?

Answer 2

Identifying, assessing and managing risks
Breaking the chain of infection
Applying the SICP’s
Adhering to local & national policies

Question 3

What is the purpose of SICP’s?

Answer 3

Prevent cross-transmission from recognised and unrecognised sources of infection
Must be used at all times whether an infection is known to present or not

Question 4

What are the 10 SICP’s?

Answer 4

Patient placement, hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene & cough etiquette, PPE, management of patient care equipment, control of the environment, safe management of linen, management of blood & body fluid spillages, safe disposal of healthcare waste, occupational exposure management (including sharps).
PHRP - Princesses Hate Rude People
MCSBDO - Madonna Can’t Stand Basic Divas, Obviously

Question 5

What are the additional precautions to SICP’s?

Answer 5

Transmission Based Precautions (TBPs)

Used for droplet, airborne and contact modes of transmission.

Question 6

What is an HAI?

Answer 6

An infection resulting from a healthcare intervention or contact with a healthcare facility.
e.g. infections acquired in hospital but not apparent until after discharge, infections contracted by staff, infections picked up when receiving care outside of hospital

Question 7

What is respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette?

Answer 7

Cover nose/mouth with tissue
Dispose of used tissues
Wash hands
Keep hands away from the mucous membranes of eyes and mouth.