Question

Nosocomial infections may be considered a subset of iatrogenic disorders in the medical setting. What are the most common nosocomial infections found in the respiratory therapy setting? What can the healthcare worker suggest to minimize the genesis and transmission of nosocomial infections?

Answer 1

Nosocomial infections, also known as hospital - acquired infections that are contracted within the hospital environment. Transmission usually occurs via hospital health care workers, patients, hospital equipments or interventional procedures.Many body system will get affected by the infection.

The most common nosocomial infections that are found in the respiratory therapy setting are

* Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

* Healthcare-associated Pneumonia

* Hospital - acquired pneumonia

Prevention or methods to minimise the genesis and transmission of nosocomial infections are :

* Implement quality control measures to the healthcare sectors

* Encourage evidence-based management

* Controlling and monitoring indoor air quality

* Hand hygiene protocols to be practiced by health personnels

* Introduce financial rewards as well as penalties in hospital acquired infections reports.

* Hospitals have sanitation protocols regarding uniforms, equipment sterilization, washing, and other preventive measures

* Isolation protocols has to be implemented if necessary in order to avoid transmission of microorganisms.

* Surface sanitation of the hospital

* Encourage appropriate use personal protective equipments by health workers

All these are fews methods which helps to reduce the infection.