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[Patient-oriented prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections (author's transl)]
Abstract:
The incidence of hospital-acquired infections varies between 2 and 15% (on average 5 to 8%). Most common nosocomial infections are urinary tract infections, wound infections, respiratory tract infections, septicemia and infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Nosocomial infections arise essentially via two routes: endogenously from the bodies own flora or exogenously via direct or indirect contact with the patient. Bacteria are most commonly transmitted from patient to patient by hands. Air as a vehicle, by which bacteria are transmitted, plays a relatively minor role. Priorities in hospital infection control are: hand washing and hand desinfection, improvement of certain nursing techniques, isolation of infected or susceptible patients, an infection control team with a nurse epidemiologist, surveillance and control of antibiotic therapy regimens, especially of antibiotic prophylaxis. Routine floor desinfection could not be shown to significantly reduce the hospital infection rate.
Insights
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) affect 2-15% of patients, often caused by endogenous or exogenous bacteria transmitted via hands. Key prevention strategies include hand hygiene and improved nursing techniques.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) represent a significant challenge in healthcare settings.
- Incidence rates range from 2% to 15%, with an average of 5% to 8%.
Purpose:
- To outline the common types, transmission routes, and effective control measures for hospital-acquired infections.
- To emphasize the importance of infection control priorities in reducing HAI rates.
Summary:
- Common HAIs include urinary tract infections, wound infections, respiratory infections, septicemia, and skin/subcutaneous tissue infections.
- Infections originate endogenously from patient flora or exogenously through direct/indirect contact, with hand transmission being primary.
- Effective control measures include hand hygiene, nursing technique improvements, patient isolation, infection control teams, and antibiotic regimen surveillance.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical role of hand hygiene and targeted interventions in mitigating HAI risks.
- Provides evidence-based priorities for hospital infection control programs.
- Suggests that routine floor disinfection is not a significant factor in reducing HAI rates.