Hospitals should implement measures to minimize the risk of infection during a hospital stay. The most common types of healthcare associated infections include chest infections, surgical wounds, and insertion of medical devices. Infections can be caused by various types of microorganisms. These organisms are often called bugs, germs, or viruses.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are often caused by bacteria and are difficult to treat. They can affect the bloodstream, urinary tract, skin, and digestive tract and can be life-threatening. Infections from healthcare-associated infections are common in hospitals, and the good news is that most of these infections are preventable with evidence-based prevention methods.
Infection-prevention measures should be implemented at every level of the hospital, from the ICU to the pharmacy. Often, these measures are not followed consistently and may be uncomfortable for patients. However, they can help decrease the number of nosocomial infections in hospitals. By improving hand hygiene and implementing infection prevention programs, hospitals can help reduce their risk of nosocomial infections.
Infection prevention measures in the hospital may include antibiotic treatments and measures to limit infection spread. If you have a catheter, make sure you ask about the proper procedure for cleaning it. Make sure the catheter is positioned above the thigh so that it does not block the urinary tract.
