Priya Phadatare’s Post

🌍 Celebrating World Hand Hygiene Day at Medstock 🧼✋ On 5th May 2024, we'll be marking World Hand Hygiene Day, a day dedicated to emphasising the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare. At Medstock, we are committed to safer wound care and infection control, recognising the crucial role of hand hygiene in preventing infections and ensuring the health and safety of both patients and healthcare professionals. 🔬 According to the World Health Organisation, healthcare-associated infections affect millions each year, significantly impacting morbidity and mortality rates. It is estimated that diligent hand hygiene, including the use of gloves, can reduce these infection rates by up to 50%. Gloves are indispensable in wound care, where they minimise the risk of contamination and protect our patients' most vulnerable moments. 🧤 Our range of high-quality gloves and personal protective equipment is designed to surpass industry standards, providing dependable protection and supporting the highest standards of infection control. By adhering to the WHO's Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care, we empower healthcare professionals to maintain stringent safety protocols. 🤝 As we approach World Hand Hygiene Day, join us at Medstock in prioritising hand hygiene and recognising the critical role gloves play in healthcare. Together, we can create a safer, more hygienic environment for everyone. 📚 For more insights: 1.    Loveday, HP., et al. (2014). Epic3: National evidence-based guidelines for preventing healthcare-associated infections in NHS hospitals in England. Journal of Hospital Infection, 86(S1), S1-S70. https://lnkd.in/gDw3YMUw 2.    Thi Lam Binh, P., et al. (2021). Effectiveness of hand hygiene combined with glove use for the prevention of bacterial contamination: A systematic review. American Journal of Infection Control, 49(9), 1156-1164. https://lnkd.in/gg9DpjE8 3.    World Health Organization. (2009). Glove use information leaflet. [pdf] WHO. Available at: https://lnkd.in/d2gGCR_k accessed 5/4/24 4.    World Health Organization. (2009). Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care. [pdf] WHO. Available at: https://lnkd.in/g8sp2UB7 accessed 5/4/24 #HandHygieneDay #InfectionPrevention #PatientSafety #Healthcare

🌍 Celebrating World Hand Hygiene Day at Medstock 🧼✋ On 5th May 2024, we'll be marking World Hand Hygiene Day, a day dedicated to emphasising the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare. At Medstock, we are committed to safer wound care and infection control, recognising the crucial role of hand hygiene in preventing infections and ensuring the health and safety of both patients and healthcare professionals. 🔬 According to the World Health Organisation, healthcare-associated infections affect millions each year, significantly impacting morbidity and mortality rates. It is estimated that diligent hand hygiene, including the use of gloves, can reduce these infection rates by up to 50%. Gloves are indispensable in wound care, where they minimise the risk of contamination and protect our patients' most vulnerable moments. 🧤 Our range of high-quality gloves and personal protective equipment is designed to surpass industry standards, providing dependable protection and supporting the highest standards of infection control. By adhering to the WHO's Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care, we empower healthcare professionals to maintain stringent safety protocols. 🤝 As we approach World Hand Hygiene Day, join us at Medstock in prioritising hand hygiene and recognising the critical role gloves play in healthcare. Together, we can create a safer, more hygienic environment for everyone. 📚 For more insights: 1.    Loveday, HP., et al. (2014). Epic3: National evidence-based guidelines for preventing healthcare-associated infections in NHS hospitals in England. Journal of Hospital Infection, 86(S1), S1-S70. https://lnkd.in/gDw3YMUw 2.    Thi Lam Binh, P., et al. (2021). Effectiveness of hand hygiene combined with glove use for the prevention of bacterial contamination: A systematic review. American Journal of Infection Control, 49(9), 1156-1164. https://lnkd.in/gg9DpjE8 3.    World Health Organization. (2009). Glove use information leaflet. [pdf] WHO. Available at: https://lnkd.in/d2gGCR_k accessed 5/4/24 4.    World Health Organization. (2009). Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care. [pdf] WHO. Available at: https://lnkd.in/g8sp2UB7 accessed 5/4/24 #HandHygieneDay #InfectionPrevention #PatientSafety #Healthcare

You've heard the news. Here are the 3 key takeaways from the new CDC 2024 Guideline to Prevent Transmission of Pathogens in Healthcare Settings. 1. New Transmission Framework. The CDC updated the conceptual framework of how germs spread. The new framework touches on ventilation, surface conditions, pathogen load, and shedding rate. What this means for healthcare providers: The spotlight was on factors that can vary by location and over time. This urges hospitals to review their basic operations. This includes environmental and person-specific factors. 2. Transmission Pathways The CDC clarifies two major transmission pathways: air and touch. This distinction should inform infection control strategies. 📢 “Transmission by touch can involve [...] shared medical equipment (e.g., stethoscopes)” said the draft guideline. What this means for healthcare providers: In practical terms, hygiene protocols should: • Enhance surfaces and shared equipment hygiene to address spread via contact • Improve ventilation (and air filtration if necessary) for airborne pathogens 3. Hierarchy of Controls. The guideline lays out the hierarchy of controls to reduce risk. What this means for healthcare providers: • Hospitals should rank controls in the following order: • Elimination • Substitution • Engineering controls • Administrative controls • Personal protective equipment (PPE) Being the last line of defense, PPE was ranked this way because it relies on correct usage and availability. The guideline touched on other core topics like PPE, hand hygiene, and infection control. The key takeaway was ensuring: • PPE and sanitizers are easy to find at points of care (POCs) • All personnel know the proper use case and handling of each PPE item • Facility-wide compliance through regular review and update of protocols 💡The Smarter Way to Compliance The CDC raised the bar. Healthcare providers know that this comes with: • Operational burden • Strict controls • Overwhelmed staff Patient protection is paramount. But why stretch your operations thin when there’s a smarter way? You can swiftly meet these standards using a quick, low-friction, high-quality solution. A prime example of such a solution is the DiskCover System. Consider the following facts about the DiskCover System: 1. It is the first (and only) solution to turn stethoscopes touch-free 2. It takes 2 seconds, no formal training, and works for a fraction of the cost of other solutions 3. Studies show that the DiskCover barrier is 100% culture-negative outperforming standard wipes (Vasudevan et al. Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes, 2020) 4. Makes adherence to guidelines effortless by doing the work for you 5. Your staff can focus on patient care knowing that their equipment is meticulously protected •••••••• 🩺 Stethoscopes are now in the same category of contamination as bare hands. Save the Burden, friction, and high cost. Contact us to install the DiskCover System at your facility.

Global handwashing day 2024 - our favourite subject 🧐🥳 Anyone who has prepared for OSCE with us will know that washing hands is one of the very first skills we focus on 🫡 Why? Infection prevention and control (IPC) practice is assessed during the practical exam and can be the difference between a pass, or not (we're not fans of the word, fail 💚) Which order do I do the 7 steps (pictured)? It doesn't matter, just do 'em, covering each step to make sure all areas of your hands, nails and wrists are squeaky clean 🫡🫶And dry properly with paper towels. How long should it take? Max 45-60 seconds ⌚ Soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser? It depends…are your hands visibly soiled or is the patient being treated for or suspected to have C-diff or similar? “Hand washing is performed using warm water and liquid soap if the hands are visibly dirty or soiled and if working with service users with Clostridioides difficile infection and other infectious diarrhoeal diseases” NI infection control manual, 2024. Not just handwashing matters 👇 Look after your skin - moisturise regularly and report any skin concerns to your line manager and seek medical advice if required. Any cuts should be covered with a water proof dressing. Be ready for clinical practice - bare below the elbows. In clinical practice, we should be 'bare below the elbows' (don't wear long sleeves or just roll ‘em up!), minimal jewellery (apart from plain wedding band), no false nails or nail polish of any kind. Leave that smart watch at home and get a fob watch instead ⌚ Check the test centre information on uniform and IPC guidelines (which are standard UK guidance) and make sure to check your organisation's policy once NMC registered. So, we all know that handwashing is important for OSCE but what about in clinical practice, for all health and social care teams? Handwashing is: The most effective way to minimise the spread of infection. "Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can develop while receiving care in a healthcare facility. To prevent the transmission of microorganisms between patients, health workers, and the environment, standard precautions are implemented as part of preventative measures." NI infection control manual, 2024. Infection, prevention and control (IPC) includes Standard Precautions e.g. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), decontamination, waste disposal - incl. sharps - and so much more. We all have a duty to those in our care to understand IPC, refresh our knowledge and lead by example 💡 Worth a refresh? For more information on IPC at NI Infection Control manual here: https://lnkd.in/g5i4uJM2 Happy handwashing day to you! 🙌🏽

Preventative surface management in healthcare facilities is essential for reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. Here's a comprehensive approach to implementing effective strategies: • Regular and Thorough Disinfection: Implement a routine disinfection schedule that targets all surfaces, with special attention to high-touch areas such as doorknobs, bedrails, and medical equipment. Utilizing electrostatic technology can enhance coverage and efficiency, ensuring pathogens are effectively eradicated. • Use of EPA-Registered Disinfectants: Select disinfectants approved by the EPA for use in healthcare settings, ensuring they are effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi relevant to the healthcare environment. • Training and Education: Regularly train healthcare staff on the importance of surface management and proper disinfection techniques. Education should also extend to the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent cross-contamination. • Infection Control Audits: Conduct regular audits to assess the effectiveness of current surface management strategies. Use findings to address gaps and continuously improve disinfection practices. • Integration of Innovative Technologies: Besides electrostatic disinfection, consider integrating additional technologies such as UV-C light disinfection for areas that require an extra level of sanitization. These technologies can complement traditional cleaning methods, providing a multi-layered defense against HAIs. • Clear Protocols for Outbreak Management: Develop and implement clear protocols for increasing disinfection efforts in response to outbreaks of specific pathogens. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the spread of infections. • Patient and Visitor Education: Inform patients and visitors about the importance of hygiene practices within the facility, including hand hygiene and the proper use of sanitization stations. Engaging everyone in the facility’s culture of cleanliness can amplify the effectiveness of surface management strategies. • Sustainability in Disinfection Practices: Where possible, incorporate sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact without compromising the efficacy of disinfection. This includes the use of green-certified disinfectants and minimizing waste. Let’s commit to excellence in healthcare surface management for a healthier tomorrow. 🏥💪 - - - #electrostatics #disinfection #surfacemanagement It’s time to upgrade from the spray and wipe to technology that makes you faster and better at disinfection. Check out our electrostatic backpack and handheld technology: EMist[dot]com

✨ Recent innovations in infection prevention and control reflect the urgent need for new strategies to tackle the growing challenges of infectious diseases. Key developments include: Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is transforming infection control by enabling more precise diagnostics, predicting disease spread, and aiding in personalized treatment. AI tools help healthcare providers select the most effective antibiotics, reducing the misuse of antibiotics and preventing resistance. Point-of-Care Testing (POCT): Rapid diagnostics available at the point of care are vital for managing infections, especially in resource-limited settings. These tests provide real-time data for conditions like UTIs and respiratory infections, improving response times and treatment accuracy. Molecular Diagnostics: Advances in sequencing and bioinformatics are allowing for faster and more accurate identification of pathogens. This leads to more effective treatment strategies, especially important for infections with similar symptoms but different causes. Advanced Sterilization: New sterilization technologies, such as UV-C light and other novel disinfection methods, are helping hospitals and public spaces reduce infection risks, including from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Outbreak Management and Prevention: Enhanced screening and tracking systems, along with better ventilation and masking protocols, are becoming key components in infection control, particularly for airborne diseases like COVID. These innovations collectively aim to address current gaps in infection control, ensuring more efficient, accurate, and sustainable ways to prevent and manage infections in healthcare settings and beyond. At BioSter Microbiology Ltd, we understand the critical importance of infection prevention and control in healthcare and other industries. Our innovative products, including BioSter® Infection Control Wipes, are designed to meet the growing challenges of infection management and prevention. Our dedication to continuous innovation ensures that we provide state-of-the-art infection prevention solutions. You can count on our products to comply with the latest healthcare regulations, offering peace of mind and reliable protection. Whether it's improving hygiene in a hospital setting or ensuring clean public spaces, BioSter Microbiology Ltd is your trusted partner in infection control solutions. You can rely on us for quality, safety, and advanced protection. #InfectionControl #HealthcareInnovation #SafetyFirst #PublicHealth #HygieneMatters #StaySafe #BiosterWipes #InfectionPrevention #DisinfectantWipes #SterilizationSolutions #GermFreeZone #SurfaceSanitizer #HealthcareSupplies #MedicalDevices #CleanSpaces #HospitalHygiene #InfectionPreventionControl #MedicalInnovation #AIInHealthcare #PointOfCareTesting #MolecularDiagnostics #AntibioticResistance #UVSterilization #AdvancedDisinfection

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Proper Bedpan Management for Infection Control in Hospitals: Infection control in hospitals is crucial to ensuring patient safety, and proper bedpan management plays a significant role in this process. Bedpans, used by patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility, can become sources of infection if not managed correctly. Here are some best practices for bedpan management in healthcare settings: Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Healthcare workers should always wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves and aprons, when handling bedpans to protect themselves and prevent the spread of pathogens. Dedicated Cleaning Areas: Bedpans should be cleaned and disinfected in designated areas, away from patient care areas, to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, usually these "cleaning areas" are called "Sluice room or Dirty Utility Room" and are located within the wards. Effective Cleaning and Disinfection: Bedpans must be thoroughly cleaned with water before being disinfected. Disinfection should be done using steam which is effective against the pathogens of concern. Cleaning and disinfection should be done by an automatic bedpan washer disinfector, which automatically empties, cleans and disinfects the bedpan or urinal. Proper Storage: Clean and disinfected bedpans should be stored in a clean, dry area to prevent recontamination. Staff Training: Ensure that all healthcare workers are trained in proper bedpan management techniques. Regular training sessions and refresher courses can help maintain high standards of infection control. Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of bedpan management practices to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with infection control protocols. By adhering to these guidelines, hospitals can significantly reduce the risk of infections associated with bedpan use, thereby improving patient outcomes and maintaining a safe healthcare environment. #bedpanwasher #MEIKO #sluiceroom #infectioncontrol #infectionprevention #bedpan

🦠 Continuing the Focus on International Infection Prevention Week! Infection prevention is the cornerstone of patient safety and public health. This week shines a spotlight on the practices and strategies that help stop the spread of infectious diseases—something that has never been more critical than it is today. Why is infection prevention so essential? - Preventing infections in healthcare settings saves lives, reduces healthcare costs, and improves patient outcomes. Every action we take—from wearing PPE correctly to maintaining strict hand hygiene—directly impacts how we combat the spread of infections. Key solutions to reinforce during Infection Prevention Week: - Education and Awareness: It all starts with education. Whether it’s patients, healthcare workers, or the broader community, ongoing education about infection prevention practices is essential. Let’s ensure that everyone is aware of how their actions, like proper handwashing or getting vaccinated, contribute to reducing infections. - Strengthening Protocols: Healthcare facilities should continually evaluate and update infection control protocols to reflect the latest guidelines and technologies. Having strong protocols in place—from hand hygiene standards to surface disinfection procedures—creates a safer environment for everyone. - Hand Hygiene Campaigns: Let’s face it—hand hygiene is simple, but it’s often overlooked. Reinforcing proper handwashing techniques with healthcare staff, patients, and even visitors is key to breaking the chain of infection. Simple signage and regular reminders can go a long way! - Enhancing PPE Training: Even minor mistakes in wearing or removing PPE can expose individuals to harmful pathogens. Regular training and drills on the proper use and disposal of PPE help reduce these risks and protect healthcare professionals and patients. - Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have accelerated the rise of antimicrobial resistance, making infections harder to treat. Promoting appropriate antibiotic use and implementing strong antimicrobial stewardship programs is a key step in fighting AMR and protecting public health. 💡 What can we do this week? - Host a hand hygiene drive to demonstrate proper techniques. - Educate patients and staff on the importance of vaccinations. - Review infection control protocols to ensure they meet current best practices. - Collaborate with infection prevention specialists to identify areas for improvement in your healthcare facility. Infection prevention is not just for healthcare workers—it’s a collective responsibility. Let’s use International Infection Prevention Week as a reminder that we all play a part in preventing the spread of infections and protecting our communities. #InfectionPreventionWeek #PatientSafety #InfectionControl #PublicHealth #AntimicrobialResistance #HandHygiene #StopTheSpread #InfectionPrevention #PreventInfections #HealthcareSafety

🛡️ Infection Control Standards in the Mortuary Department🛡️ Ensuring the highest standards of infection control in the mortuary department is crucial to protect healthcare workers and the community. Here are the essential we should follow: Key Infection Control Standards: 1. Hand Hygiene 🧼 - Thorough hand washing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after handling remains. 2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 🧤 - Proper use of gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection when handling deceased bodies to prevent exposure to infectious agents. 3. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection 🧽 - Regular cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces, tools, and equipment in the mortuary, including trolleys, tables, and storage areas. 4. Safe Handling and Transport ⚰️ - Use of body bags and secure transport protocols to prevent leakage and contamination during movement of remains. 5. Waste Management 🚮 - Proper disposal of medical waste, including contaminated PPE, sharps, and other materials, following regulatory guidelines. 6. Ventilation Systems 🌬️ - Maintenance of appropriate ventilation systems to reduce airborne pathogens and ensure a safe working environment. 7. Fridge and Freezer Management ❄️ - Mortuary should be equipped with fridges and freezers with Regular checks to ensure optimal temperature settings are maintained. 8. Cleaning Checklists 🧹 - Daily Cleaning: Disinfection of all surfaces, equipment, and high-touch areas. - Weekly Cleaning: Deep cleaning of the entire mortuary, including fridges and freezers. - Monthly Inspection: Comprehensive inspection and maintenance of all equipment and ventilation systems. 9. Training and Education 📚 - Ongoing training for all staff on infection control practices, safe handling of remains, and use of PPE. 10. Documentation and Reporting 📝 - Accurate documentation of infection control practices and immediate reporting of any breaches or incidents. Why It Matters: Maintaining these standards is vital to prevent the spread of infections, protect our staff, and ensure dignity and safety in handling the deceased. Our commitment to these practices underscores our dedication to public health and safety. By adhering to these rigorous infection control measures, we uphold the highest standards of care in the mortuary department. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone. 💪✨ Follow me for more: https://lnkd.in/dkZBzHur https://lnkd.in/ewg_Fjzb https://lnkd.in/euJeBq9T