Hand Washing to Reduce the Spread of Nosocomial Infection Research Paper

Hand Washing to Reduce the Spread of Nosocomial Infection - Research Paper Example Through research and healthcare studies, it is evident that nearly 5 percent of the population of patients becomes is infected in the course of hospitalization. Furthermore, increased invasive procedures have also led to an increased rate of nonsocomial infections. Currently, nearly 8% of patients who undergo invasive procedures acquire nonsocomial infections of some kind. Problem Description Healthcare professionals do not always follow the standard of hand washing when providing care to hospitalized patients. The problem of healthcare professionals not using standards of hand washing when taking care of patients has long been recognized as one of the most widespread, as well as dangerous behaviors in healthcare. Among the most common forms of nonsocomical infections include among others urinary-tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections and surgical-wound infections. These infections are particularly pursuant to inventions necessary in the patient care, but which conversel y impair bodily defense mechanisms. In 2004, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) republished the definitions of health-care-associated infections. Healthcare institutions do not always use CDC definitions in their identification of nonsocomical infections such institutions use the basic definition, which does not include infections acquired after medical treatment. Sources of Microorganisms In the course of healthcare delivery, patients are exposed to a number of pathogenic microorganisms such as protozoa, fungi, viruses, and bacteria. These pathogens can be transmitted from other patients, visitors or healthcare personnel. Other sources of pathogenic microorganisms include patient flora such as those residing in patients’ mucous membranes, respiratory tract, skin or gastrointestinal tract. These pathogens are typically quite difficult to control and deter. However, other sources of microorganisms that can be easily controlled include those that reside within the hospital environment. These include touch surfaces in patients’ rooms, equipment, and medications. Infections that emanate from such external microorganisms are easily preventable through viable healthcare practices. This paper focuses on best practices employed by healthcare professionals in the prevention of nonsocomical infections in patients. Means of Transmission As earlier cited, microorganisms are spread among personnel, patients, and visitors. This is primarily done through numerous routes such as direct and indirect contact, airborne spread, respiratory droplets and common vehicles. Contact transmission is one of the most important, as well as frequent transmission modes within the healthcare fraternity. Direct contact between patients and healthcare personnel. According to the CDC, contact is the main means of transmission and can be curtailed through simple healthcare practices if implemented effectively in all healthcare institutions. Prevention Practices Prev ention practices encompass modules and behaviors aimed at the deterrence of infections in patients, especially as a result of contact.