Nosocomial Infections in Rural Hospitals William R. Barnett Robert Bolger MEDT 401 – Issues in Health Care April 29, 2004
Introduction Louise White, R.N., B.S.N., C.I.C. –Infection Control Coordinator Common hospital-acquired infections: –Pneumonia –MRSA –VRE –MDR-TB –Legionella spp. –Pseudomonas spp.
Monitoring Patients VentilatorsCatheters ICU / PICU / NICU Caesarean sections High-risk and new medical procedures Bariatric surgeries General and laparoscopic surgeries
Policies / Procedures National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NNIS) Wood County Health Department Ohio Department of Health Patient monitoring Safe-patient placement Antibiotic resistance
CDC Guidelines Hand hygiene Isolation precautions Environmental control Intravascular device-related infections Surgical site infections Catheter associated urinary tract infections Nosocomial pneumonia
Preventive Measures Monitor antibiotic usage Use appropriate protective wear Disinfection of medical equipment Aseptic techniques Establish policies and guidelines Prescreen incoming patients
Concerns Emerging infectious diseases Bioterrorism –Airborne transmission Hospital / Patient burdens: –Length of hospitalization –Increased morbidity / mortality among patients