Every year, 180,000 Australian patients contract healthcare associated infections, which extends their hospital stays and takes up to 2 million hospital bed days. According to Australian Safety and Quality Goals for Healthcare, in one Australian state, the additional costs associated with just 126 surgical site infections are more than $5 million.
According to the WHO, 4 out of 10 patients have safety issues in primary and ambulatory care settings and over 2.6 million people die every year because of an unsafe hospital environment, and medication errors. While treating patients, even healthcare providers are in danger of contracting an infection. In hospitals and other facilities such as dialysis centres and nursing homes, preventing the transmission of germs is crucial.
It’s not just healthcare workers and hospital staff that contribute to patient safety, it’s also the responsibility of visitors to play an important role in infection control. Visitors are always welcome in hospitals as they are a vital part of the rehabilitation process. But visitors must follow hospital regulations, visiting hours, and basic hygiene to ensure the safety of their loved ones, and healthcare workers.
Here are some handy tips to help visitors improve the safety of patients, and healthcare workers when they visit:
Hand Hygiene Practices: Healthcare workers are aware of the need for hand hygiene, but visitors may not be so mindful. Healthcare staff washes their hands at least 100 times during every 12-hour shift, depending on the number of patients and intensity of care. According to WHO, hands are THE major route for germ transmission. When visiting the hospital, visitors need to maintain good hygiene by regularly washing and sanitising their hands both before seeing a patient and when leaving the facility.
Wearing Gloves/PPE Kit: Germs and bacteria can easily transfer in healthcare facilities due to physical contact between patients and healthcare professionals. As a majority of viruses spread through hands, wearing gloves reduces the chances of transmission. Visitors are advised to wear gloves to keep their hands clean and reduce the risk of contracting germs that could make them or others sick. PPE kits are used by healthcare workers who work with patients diagnosed with an infectious or airborne disease. Visitors may need to wear PPE gear in some situations to protect themselves and others. PPE Kits not only protect healthcare workers and patients but also aids in the containment of dangerous diseases.
Noise-Free Environment: Noise can have a negative impact on the healing process. Reducing noise in healthcare environments allows patients to recover more quickly. Visitors can help create a peaceful environment by keeping noise to a minimum and by not disrupting other patients’ well-being and recovery. Staff burnout can also be reduced by creating a quieter environment.
Visiting Hospital When Sick: Being aware and considerate can really help in keeping those in the hospital safe. It’s critical to work together to safeguard our loved ones, healthcare workers, and everyone else who is present within the facility. Visitors should avoid visiting a patient if they are feeling sick or have symptoms like diarrhoea or vomiting, as there could be serious implications for the vulnerable people you come into contact with.
Creating a Safe Environment for Others: People are more prone to infection in a healthcare facility as they share a room with other patients. According to a study, people in double-occupancy rooms are 2.69 times more likely to get a healthcare-associated infection (HAI). It’s the visitor’s responsibility to follow social distancing protocol and check-in while entering the hospital to limit the exposure to other patients. Reduce the risk of coming into contact with potential infections by following the hospital safety guidelines. Try to limit your visit by keeping in line with the hospital’s visiting hours.
Supporting your loved ones in their recovery is important to help them heal properly. A patient’s comfort and health care needs are the top priority for successful recovery. If visitors follow safety protocols and comply with instructions they can maintain the health and safety of patients as well as the healthcare workers.
#worldpatientsafetyday
