Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-9q27g Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-24T11:52:46.197Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Optimal Design/Personnel for Control of Intensive Care Unit Infection

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Bertil Nyström
Bertil Nyström*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Microbiology, Huddinge University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
*
Department of Clinical Microbiology, Huddinge University Hospital, S-141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Apart from the special mechanisms for spread of IV device and respiratory equipment-related infections, the mechanisms for spread of infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) are no different from other areas of the hospital. Control of transmission must emphasize the necessity of blocking the contact and airborne routes of spread.

Hand disinfection with an alcoholic preparation and the use of patient-bound gowns for all direct patient contact are efficient measures against contact spread of infections.

Airborne spread is best reduced by nursing patients in one-patient rooms with doors closed. A substantial part of the beds should be in such rooms. However, they are of little value if basic barrier nursing techniques are neglected. An ante-room to the one-patient room is practical for hand disinfection, gowning, etc., and if ventilated, offers added protection against airborne spread.

Barriers against transmission of microorganisms must be created between patient rooms. Since basic barrier nursing techniques are the determining factors for infection control, the need for adequate numbers of well-trained and well-educated staff cannot be overestimated.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 4 , Issue 5 , October 1983 , pp. 388 - 390
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1983

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Hambraeus, A: Transfer of Staphylococcus aureus via nurses' uniforms. J Hyg 1973; 71:799–814.Google ScholarPubMed
2.Lidwell, OM: Clean air, less infection. Hospital Engineering. October 1976, pp 9–17.Google Scholar
3.Smylie, HG, Davidson, AIG, Macdonald, A, et al: Ward design in relation to postoperative wound infection: Part I. Br Med J 1971; 1:67–72.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Kallings, LO: Program for surveillance and intervention in specific problem areas of nosocomial infections. Rev Inf Dis 1981; 3:721–727.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
5.Preston, GA, Larson, EL, Stamm, WE: The effect of private isolation rooms on patient care practices, colonization and infection in an intensive care unit, in Dixon, RE (ed): Nosocomial Infections. New York, Yorke Medical Books, 1981.Google Scholar
6.Jensen, K: Handdesinfektion. Ugeskr Laeger 1974; 136:579–585.Google Scholar
7.Maki, DG: Control of colonization and transmission of pathogenic bacteria in the hospital. Ann Intern Med 1978; 89 (pt 2):777–780.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
8.Marples, RR, Towers, AG: A laboratory model for the investigation of contact transfer of microorganisms. J Hyg 1979; 82:237–248.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
9.Rotter, M, Koller, W, Wewalka, G: Suitability of chlorhexidine-gluconate and povidone-iodine containing preparations for disinfection of hands. Hygiene & Medizin 1981; 6:425–430.Google Scholar
10.Albert, RK, Condie, F: Handwashing patterns in medical intensive care units. N Engl J Med 1981; 304:1465–1466.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
11.Taylor, LJ: An evaluation of hand-washing techniques. 2. Nursing Times, January 19, 1978, pp 108–110.Google Scholar
12.Ransjö, U: Attempts to control clothes-borne infection in a burn unit, 2. Clothing routines in clinical use and the epidemiology of cross-colonization. J Hyg 1979; 82:369–384.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
13.Snydman, DR, Bryan, RA, Macon, EJ, et al: Hemodialysis-associated hepatitis: Report of an epidemic with further evidence on mechanisms of transmission. Am J Epidemiol 1976; 104:563–570.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
14.Hambraeus, A, Malmborg, AS: The influence of different footwear on floor contamination. Scand J Infect Dis 1979; 11:243–246.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
15.Ayliffe, GAJ, Collins, BJ, Lowbury, EJL, et al: Ward floors and other surfaces as reservoirs of hospital infection. J Hyg 1967; 65:515–536.Google ScholarPubMed
16.Hambraeus, A, Bengtsson, S, Laureil, G: Bacterial contamination in a modern operating suite. 3. Importance of floor contamination as a source of airborne bacteria. J Hyg 1978; 80:69–74.Google Scholar
17.Mac Kendrick, GDW, Emond, RTD: Investigation of cross-infection in isolation wards of different design. J Hyg 1976; 76:23–31.CrossRefGoogle Scholar