Hospital Acquired Infection

Hospital acquired infections are on the rise. Historically people have always been concerned about the spread of infection. Currently we treat people infected with communicable disease (infection) in the same settings as people without infection. It is important as a healthcare worker to know and practice evidence based practice when it comes to prevention of spread of infection. First, we need to be educated on the infections. Each microorganism has a chain of infection. They all have a reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, a portal of entry, host, and back to the infectious agent that starts the process over again unless people are educated and break the cycle of infection. Evidence based practice shows that hand hygiene is the most important practice to prevent the spread of microorganisms. Although depending on the organism’s reservoir, mode of transmission, portal of exit and entry, different precautions need to be in place. …show more content…
Each mode of transmission requires certain precautions to be in place. The use of disposable glove, disposable gown, mask, eye goggles (or shield), a respirator with filter, or even shoe coverings are all important in preventing infection in different situations. The spread of hospital acquired infection cost the health care agencies more money when it comes to patient care, and also can pose serious complications for already ill patients. One major concern of hospital acquired infection is the colonization and infection of MRSA. MRSA is an antibiotic resistant bacteria that can be potentially life threating. MRSA is only one of the rising microorganisms that are becoming resistant to antibiotics that are available. The spread of antibiotic resistant infections are a major source of stress for healthcare