For quite some time, the concept of “nosocomial infection” applied only to infections, as well as diseases in a hospital setting. Today, this term is considered to be collective, including various nosological forms.
Prevention of nosocomial infections is very important and includes a set of measures. To increase the effectiveness of measures related to disinfection and sterilization of the premises of medical institutions, certain means are used. The most promising group of compounds used for the disinfection of various medical devices and objects of a medical - prophylactic nature is considered to be Quaternary - Ammonium compounds (HOUR). A high degree of bactericidal activity, as well as increased cleaning properties, allow combining both disinfection and cleaning.
Prevention of nosocomial infections implies the possibility of air disinfection in the hospital. For this, the use of modern shielded, ozone-free UV-irradiators with a recirculating principle of action is recommended. This device pumps air through itself in a forced manner, while sterilizing it due to the UV lamps placed in it. During the operation of the recirculators, the presence of people is allowed.
So that various pathogens of nosocomial infections could not spread, it is necessary to carry out high-quality cleaning of the chambers. This is an order of magnitude able to reduce the likelihood of infection of new patients admitted to those wards in which previously infected patients were.
A new generation of steam and air sterilizers is being developed today. They are distinguished by an automatic control mode, the possibility of process locks, as well as the presence of color and digital indications. Glaspergen sterilizers for various small instruments are quite successfully introduced into practice. In such devices, heated glass balls are used as the medium sterilizing the instrument. There are also other types of installations and methods designed to ensure the sterility of the medical devices used.
Prevention of nosocomial infections also involves hygiene. One of the main conditions for preventing the spread of various infections is the usual hand washing with soap. This method is the main means for prevention. This contributes significantly to the removal of almost all transient gram-negative bacteria from the skin surface. Similar data were obtained with the use of alcohol-containing antiseptics. But, unfortunately, more than 60% of both doctors and nurses do not follow the basic rules for handling hands after each contact with the patient.
Prevention of nosocomial infections at a sufficiently high level is possible only with the mandatory implementation of all strict sanitary standards. In order to implement these principles, it is necessary to organize a clear system for handling various medical waste. This is necessary to minimize the possibility of an epidemiological hazard for staff and patients. An optimal differentiation of the functional flow of movement is required in order to protect staff and patients from direct contact with dirty laundry, waste, and so on.
In the case of a conscious attitude and careful implementation by medical personnel of all the stated requirements for ensuring an anti-epidemic regime, the risk of illness for patients and employees is significantly reduced.