Healthcare Associated Infections Flashcards
How do we stop HCAI?
- Measure the problem (surveillance)
- Understand the problem (epidemiology)
- Manage the problem
- Prevent the problem
What is HAI and its requirements and HCAI?
HAI = hospital acquired infection (present over 48hours after admission)
HCAI = healthcare associated infection
Why have HCAI become more common
- Chronic infections,
- Invasive medical devices,
- Immunosuppression,
- More complex procedures,
- Quality Measures
- Antibiotic
How can doctors take measures to prevent HCAI?
- Recognition of risk factors,
- Behaviour and practice,
- Hand Hygiene,
- Dress code,
- PPE,
- Isolation facilities correctly
What are the different mode of transmissions
- Direct or indirect contact via fomites or ingestion
- Droplet transmission,
- Aerosol (Airborne) transmission.
Name some examples of pathogens that are transmitted via direct contact
Blood born viruses, diarrhoea, MRSA, C.diff, Group A Streptococcus, N.gonorrhoea and COVID-19
Name some examples of pathogens that are transmitted via droplet transmission
N.meningitis, norovirus, diphtheria, pertussis, pneumonic plaque and COVID-19
Name some examples of pathogens that are transmitted via aerosol (airborne) transmission
TB, chicken pox, influenza, viral haemorrhagic fever, measles.
Describe contact precautions and what organisms you do this for?
Single room if possible, gloves, aprons, disposable masks/eye protection if at risk of exposure to body fluid.
Specific Organisms: C. Difficile, MRSA, S.pyogenes, COVID-19
Syndromes: Gastroenteritis, fever in patients returned from tropics
Describe droplet precautions and what specific organisms
Single room if possible, wear surgical mask when within touching distance of patient or cough inducing procedure and wear eye protection.
Specific Organisms - N.meaningitis, mumps, rubella, COVID-19.
Syndrome: Meningism, fever with cough, fever with rash and vomiting.
Describe airbone precautions and what specific organisms and syndromes?
Syndromes = Influenza,
Specific Organisms: TB, measles, viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Single room, aprons, gloves, high efficiency filter masks and FFP3 masks for aerosol generating procedures.
What are invasive medical devices?
Long or short term. All break the skin or mucous membrane, eg, CVC, PVC, urinary catheters, dialysis lines.
What are indwelling prosthetic devices?
Usually long term devices buried into tissue under the skin, eg, heart valves, joints, pacing units.
What is the importance of medical devices and HCAIs?
They can make the patient more vulnerable and prone to infections around the site. This can increase incidence of HCAIs.
What are the issues of HCAIs?
Effects a lot of patients, costs NHS loads of money, increases length of stay, increases morbidity and mortality
