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Infection control is a discipline that applies epidemiologic and scientific principles and statistical analysis to the prevention or reduction in rates of nosocomial infections. Some experts in the field now prefer to use the phrase "infection prevention and hospital epidemiology" over the term infection control, as the words prevention and epidemiology more accurately define the discipline. Indeed, infection control is a key component of the broader discipline of hospital epidemiology. Effective infection control programs reduce rates of nosocomial infections and are cost-effective [1].
The recognition that infectious agents can be transmitted within hospitals to susceptible patients and health care workers began in the 1840s when Semmelweis noted that puerperal fever was associated with the lack of handwashing among clinicians performing autopsies [2,3]. This discovery, in turn, led to the introduction of hand dips with chlorinated lime at Vienna General Hospital [3]. Eventually these ideas evolved into current guidelines about handwashing, although Semmelweis promoted hand cleansing and, paradoxically, was opposed to handwashing with soap and water [3].
Infection control programs became a requirement in the United States largely as a result of the mandates of the Joint Commission For Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAHO) and the leadership guidelines and definitions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In order to achieve the main goal of preventing or reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections, a hospital epidemiology program should have the following oversight functions and responsibilities [4]:
- Surveillance, either hospital-wide or targeted
- Education about prevention of infections (eg, by hand disinfection)
- Outbreak investigations
- Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of equipment and disposal of infectious waste
- Hospital employee health, specifically after exposure to either bloodborne or respiratory pathogens
- Review of antibiotic utilization and its relationship to local antibiotic resistance patterns
- Prevention of infections due to intravascular devices
- Development of infection control policies and procedures
- Oversight on the use of new products that directly or indirectly relate to the risk of nosocomial infections
What else can I help you with?
Infection control principles?
Infection_control_principles
What are the basic principles of cross contamination and food hygiene?
What are the principles of cross infection ? Give examples of how you would do this . Show research and understanding
What are your responsibilities of infection control?
A civilian's responsibilities of infection control include handwashing, food hygiene, sneezing into tissues (washing hands afterwards), and staying at home if they have 'flu, chicken pox, or something else equally infectious. There are Infection Prevention Control Training programs which is run by Infection Control Industry professionals. People can join these programs to aware about primary & social infection control.
What does target hygiene mean?
Total hygiene is the target hygiene. In which you get no infection of any kind.
What has the author Lakshman P Samaranayake written?
Lakshman P. Samaranayake has written: 'Infection control for the dental team' -- subject(s): Cross Infection, Dental offices, Dental personnel, Health and hygiene, Infection Control, Prevention, Safety measures, Sanitation, Standards
State what infection control precautions you would take prior to treating a casualty?
A Good Hygiene: using gloves, mask and washing your hands.
What are examples of environmental hygiene risks?
cause infection
What is the difference between an infection control hazard and an infection control risk?
An infection control hazard refers to the potential source or situation that can lead to the spread of infections, such as improper hand hygiene practices. In contrast, an infection control risk is the likelihood that these hazards will result in the transmission of infections to individuals. Risk assessment helps to identify and mitigate these risks to prevent infections from occurring.
What infection is best prevented by good hygiene?
Hepatitis A apex :)
What has the author Leigh B Grossman written?
Leigh B. Grossman has written: 'Infection control for the health care worker' -- subject(s): Handbooks, Methods, Handbooks, manuals, Medical personnel, Infection Control, Health and hygiene, Universal Precautions, Nosocomial infections, Prevention, Occupational Health
What is the most important personal hygiene practice for preventing infection from Bloodborne disease?
WASHING YOUR HANDS is the most important personal hygiene practice for preventing infection from bloodborne diseases.
What conditions contribute to infection from Shigella?
Poor hygiene, overcrowding, and improper storage of food are leading causes of infection.
