Healthcare Related Infections

Question 1

What is considered a healthcare related infection?

Answer 1

Direct result of Rx in, or contact with health or social care settings

Can be community healthcare as well

Question 2

What are some examples?

Answer 2

C. diff
MRSA
CAUTI
etc.

Question 3

Why is infection control within a built environment important?

What legislation and regulations are available?

Water borne pathogens - associated with outbreaks:

Who is at particular risk?

What areas may be colonised with these organisms?

Ventilation:

What does ventilation mean?

How does it help?

Answer 3

Healthcare environments can be a reservoir for organisms which have the potential to cause HCAIs

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 
COOSH 
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Immunocompromised
Children
Burns
ICU 

Taps and sinks 
Areas with low use - (not flushing pipes or taps) 
Redundant piping 
=====
Removing and replacing air in the space 

Dilution of contaminants

Question 4

Ventilation:

Clean airflow paths:

• Negative pressure rooms (air forced in - who would this be used in?
• Positive pressure rooms (air forced out - who would this be used in?

Answer 4

An infected patient that needs isolation

Neutropenic patient - reducing level of contaminants but replacing air