Pharmacist's Role in Infection Control

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following practices can effectively reduce the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs)?

Restricting patient movement to designated areas

Performing hand hygiene after touching healthcare equipment (correct)

Using antiseptics before every patient contact

Wearing gloves consistently at all times

What is the primary purpose of respiratory and cough hygiene protocols?

To minimize cross-transmission of respiratory illnesses (correct)

To enhance communication between patients and healthcare workers

To limit the use of respirators in clinical settings

To increase patient mobility and comfort

What should be considered when placing patients who may present a cross-infection risk?

Assessment should influence placement decisions based on clinical needs (correct)

Only the patient's age and weight

The patient's preferences regarding roommate selection

Previous vaccinations received by the patient

Which of the following describes appropriate management of healthcare linen?

Separating linen based on infection risk before laundering Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial step in the safe disposal of sharps?

Using puncture-proof containers specifically designed for sharps Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an effective method to manage exposure to blood and body fluids?

Using appropriate personal protective equipment before cleanup Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of occupational safety protocols in healthcare settings?

To manage prevention of exposure to sharps Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is important in the management of clinical waste?

Labeling waste containers according to the type of waste Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial practice for the disposal of used sharps?

They must be disposed of immediately at the point of use. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before disposing of sharps if a safety device is used?

Safety mechanisms must be deployed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outcomes can result from inadequate infection control in healthcare settings?

Audit risk from government organizations. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for managing occupational exposure to infectious materials?

Assess handling methods and minimize exposure. Signup and view all the answers

The Infection Control Committee does NOT typically address which of the following topics?

Managing financial aspects of healthcare institutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the safe handling of needles?

Needles must not be re-sheathed or recapped after use. Signup and view all the answers

What impact can extended patient stays have on healthcare facilities?

They can result in reputational risks. Signup and view all the answers

Why is adequate infection control significant for healthcare costs?

It leads to fewer fines and penalties. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action when disposable tissues are unavailable for covering the mouth during a cough or sneeze?

Cover with the crook of the arm Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with used tissues immediately after they are used?

Dispose of them promptly into a waste bin Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is essential for effective hand hygiene after respiratory exposure?

Washing hands with non-antimicrobial liquid soap and warm water Signup and view all the answers

When should personal protective equipment (PPE) be changed?

Whenever there is a risk of contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle to follow regarding the use of PPE?

Avoid overuse and inappropriate usage Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with PPE after use?

Dispose of it in the correct waste stream Signup and view all the answers

How should contaminated hands be managed after exposure to respiratory secretions?

Wash hands immediately with non-antimicrobial soap Signup and view all the answers

In the absence of running water, what is the recommended alternative for hand hygiene?

Hand wipes followed by alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Pharmacist's Role in Infection Control

The presentation outlines the pharmacist's role in institutional pharmacy practice management regarding infection control.
Objectives include defining standard infection control procedures, describing infection control elements, outlining infection control importance & discussing pharmacist roles/responsibilities.
Standard Infection Control Precautions (SCIPs) are basic infection prevention and control measures used in all care settings to reduce infection transmission risk.

Infection Control in the Institutional Setting

A video is referenced for further learning regarding infection control in institutional settings.

Standard Infection Control Precautions (SCIPs)

SCIPs are fundamental infection prevention measures to minimize transmitting infectious agents, regardless of recognised or unrecognized sources.
SCIPs are used consistently across all care settings for all patients regardless of known infection status.
SCIPs ensure the safety of those cared for, staff, and visitors within the care environment.

Sources of Potential Infection

Blood and other body fluids (excluding sweat)
Non-intact skin or mucous membranes
Equipment or items in the care environment potentially contaminated

Factors Affecting the Infection Risk to and from Individuals

The task being performed
Level of interaction
Anticipated level of exposure to blood and/or other body fluids

The 10 Elements of SCIPs

Patient placement/assessment of infection risk
Hand hygiene
Respiratory and cough hygiene
Personal protective equipment
Safe management of the care environment
Safe management of care equipment
Safe management of healthcare linen
Safe management of blood and body fluids
Safe disposal of waste, including sharps
Occupational safety/managing prevention of exposure (including sharps)

Patient Placement/Assessment for Infection Risk

Patients presenting a cross-infection risk may exhibit diarrhoea, vomiting, unexplained rash, fever or respiratory symptoms.
Patients who have previously tested positive for a multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO), such as MRSA, should be assessed for potential cross-infection risks.

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is a crucial procedure for minimizing infectious agent transmission and healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).
Perform hand hygiene before touching a patient, before clean or aseptic procedures, after body fluid exposure, after touching a patient, and after touching any contaminated surface.

Respiratory and Cough Hygiene

Promote respiratory and cough hygiene, particularly among vulnerable groups (e.g., elderly, children).
Cover coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues, wash hands regularly.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Assess potential exposure to blood, body fluids; use appropriate PPE (protecting skin, mucous membranes) to mitigate risks.
Avoid excessive or inappropriate PPE use to minimize environmental impact; follow manufacturers’ instructions for safe use and disposal.

Safe Management of Care Equipment

Care equipment is easily contaminated with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and infectious agents.
Before using sterile equipment, check that packaging is intact, contamination is absent, expiry date is valid, and sterility indicators are consistent with successful procedures.
Reusable non-invasive care equipment should be decontaminated between uses/patients, after blood/body fluid contamination, at regular intervals, and before inspection/repair.

Safe Management of the Care Environment

The care environment should be visibly clean, free from non-essential items to facilitate effective cleaning; well-maintained and with adequate ventilation.
Routine cleaning is essential to maintain cleanliness standards.

Safe Management of Linen

Infectious linen (used by a patient known or suspected to be infectious, or contaminated with blood/body fluids) must be packaged in water-soluble or impermeable bags.
Linen bags must be tagged with details (e.g., ward, care area) and dated before being stored in a designated area prior to laundry.

Safe Management of Blood and Body Fluid Spillage

Spillages should be treated immediately by trained staff to ensure safety.
Responsibility for blood/body fluid spill management should be clearly defined within each area/care setting.

Safe Disposal of Waste (including Sharps)

Clinical waste contains viable microorganisms or toxins.
Offensive waste isn't clinical waste; is not infectious, contains no body fluids, secretions, excretions, and is non-hazardous.
Different colored bags are assigned for specific types of waste, which are then handled correctly (e.g. incinerated).

Occupational Safety: Prevention of Exposure

Percutaneous injuries from needles or other sharp instruments are significant occupational exposures.
Sharps handling must be assessed, minimized and managed using approved safety devices, following manufacturers' guidelines for safe use and disposal.

Significance of Adequate Infection Control to Institutions

Inadequate infection control can lead to reputational risks, longer patient stays, fewer available beds, higher patient costs, decreased insurance reimbursements.
Additional consequences of poor infection control include fines, audit risks, and potential litigation.

The Infection Control Committee

Develops policies for patient care and employee healthcare services.
Education for staff, patients, family members, and caregivers.
Infection surveillance and antimicrobial use monitoring.

The Role of the Pharmacist in Infection Control

Reducing transmission of infections
Promoting rational use of antimicrobial agents
Educating healthcare professionals, patients, and the public

Reducing the Transmission of Infections

Participate in the Infection Control Committee.
Advise health systems and select appropriate antiseptics, disinfectants, and sterilants.
Establish internal pharmacy policies and procedures to prevent contamination of medications.
Encourage appropriate immunizations and screening.
Develop guidelines for assessment, treatment, and monitoring of patients exposed to infections.
Recommend policy changes for IV sets, invasive devices, and dressings.

Promoting Rational Use of Antimicrobial Agents

Ensure appropriate number and type of antimicrobials for the patient population.
Establish a multidisciplinary monitoring program to evaluate antimicrobial use policy effectiveness.
Encourage collaboration within the health system to optimize treatment and prophylactic use.
Work with microbiology labs to efficiently report susceptibility tests.

Education Activities

Provide conferences, newsletters, and other educational forums for healthcare professionals.
Educate patients about adherence to prescribed antimicrobial use, medication storage, administration, and other infection control procedures.
Participate in public health programs aimed at preventing infectious disease spread.

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Description

This quiz explores the vital role of pharmacists in managing infection control within institutional pharmacy settings. Participants will learn about standard infection control precautions, their importance, and the specific responsibilities of pharmacists in preventing infection transmission. A video resource is also included for further understanding.