Infection control policies in health-care facilities help prevent the spread of harmful pathogens and protect patients, staff, and visitors. Learn about four effective infection control measures in hospitals that help reduce the risk of health-care-associated infections.
1. Antibacterial Surfaces
Antibacterial surfaces reduce the transmission of pathogens in hospital environments. One of the most common applications of copper sheets is in health care and laboratory settings because copper has antimicrobial properties that can actively kill bacteria and viruses, including antibiotic-resistant strains.
Antibacterial protection is especially important for objects and surfaces that people frequently touch. High-touch surfaces include door handles, bed rails, IV poles, and faucets. Copper and its alloys make excellent antibacterial surfaces that complement other cleaning and disinfecting practices.
2. Hand Hygiene Practices
Another effective infection control measure in hospitals is practicing strict hygiene. Maintaining hand hygiene is essential for patient and staff health.
Hygiene guidelines in health-care settings describe best practices for frequent handwashing with soap and water and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Health-care staff, patients, and visitors require education regarding the most effective hand hygiene routines, and everyone must strictly adhere to protocols.
3. Sterilization and Disinfection
Hospitals must ensure that reusable medical equipment is adequately cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized before each use. Additionally, hospital janitors must follow guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting patient rooms, operating rooms, and common areas.
Implementing sterilization and disinfection protocols is crucial for a safe health-care facility. Regular monitoring and auditing of these protocols can help identify areas that require improvement and ensure compliance with infection control standards.
4. Isolation Precautions and PPE
Isolation precautions and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) help limit the spread of infection, especially in cases of highly contagious diseases. A well-defined isolation policy outlines how patients with known or suspected infections should be safely treated.
PPE such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection prevent the transmission of pathogens. Health-care workers receive comprehensive training on the correct usage, removal, and disposal of PPE to ensure maximum safety.
