A Bundled Approach to Infection Prevention
Throughout this blog series, we have introduced you to Tru-D, discussed the BETR-Disinfection study as well as the BETR-Disinfection’s secondary analysis validating Tru-D’s ability to reduce hospital infections, facility-wide. However, Tru-D is not a stand-alone solution, but rather a complement to your infection prevention efforts, when implemented through a bundled approach.
The first step to preventing transmission of pathogens from person to person is thorough handwashing. According to the CDC, on average, healthcare providers clean their hands less than half of the times they should; however, proper handwashing should be done after all of the following, at a minimum:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- After touching garbage
According to APIC, antimicrobial stewardship is a coordinated effort that promotes the appropriate use of antibiotics, improves patient outcomes, reduces microbial resistance and decreases the spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Antimicrobial stewardship includes selection, dose and duration of treatment, as well as control of antibiotic use.
With the overuse of antibiotics prevalent in health care, germs have grown resistant to these drugs. In turn, good bacteria can unintentionally be killed, leaving patients at a higher risk of obtaining an infection. These “superbugs” are not immune to Tru-D’s UVC energy, and when provided a lethal dose of UVC, the superbugs’ DNA is destroyed and cannot replicate. By reducing the bioburden, Tru-D provides the safest environment possible, and with a preventive regimen of both handwashing and antimicrobial stewardship, patients are less likely to acquire an infection.
By implementing a comprehensive infection prevention program focusing on handwashing, antibiotic stewardship and UVC disinfection, your facility can see a significant reduction in HAIs. If you have questions about building a program or would like more information, e-mail me at email@example.com.