South Africans urged to watch out for hidden dangers of hospital infections
With around 6 million cases of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occurring each year across the United States, Europe and Japan alone - according to the medical technology company BD - HAIs are fast becoming a major cause of morbidity and mortality
In light of International Infection Prevention Week from 15 - 20 October 2012, Dr. Dominique Stott, Executive of Medical Standards and Services at PPS, notes that HAIs are infections with micro-organisms which are not present in a patient on admission to the hospital. “These organisms increase with overuse of antibiotics allowing the development of antibiotic resistant strains of the micro-organisms and often result in extended hospitalisation with potentially serious or deadly infections. An example of this is the methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus or ‘MRSA superbug’.”
The World Health Organisation states that HAIs are the most frequent and avoidable incidents that threaten patient safety around the world, with between 5% - 15% of all patients admitted to hospitals in developed countries acquiring a HAI at any given time, with the risk of infection becoming between 2 and 20 times higher in developing regions.
The costs of treating infections such as this may soar due to the expensive antibiotics required and extended hospitalisation, says Dr Stott. “Although medical aid is there to provide cover for hospitalisation and medical expenses, there may be additional expenses incurred outside those which a medical aid will usually pay for, such as physiotherapy consultations for ongoing lung infections or home nursing care for wound dressings.
“Additional financial burdens incurred may also include recuperation time off work, and for those who are self employed this would eventually lead to a drop in income, which is why it is always important to have income protection in place to protect against financial losses as a result of illness or accident.”
Dr Stott says a patient is most likely to contract a HAI when their resistance is already lowered or when they are particularly vulnerable, for example, in the case of post-surgery open wounds. “Prolonged stays in the hospital also increases a patient’s risk of acquiring an infection so many doctors discharge patients as soon as they are well enough to recuperate at home.
“Hospitals must ensure that their employees follow infection control best practice protocols at all times to avoid infections from spreading. This includes frequent hand washing, instrument sterilisation and the use of specific chemicals to disinfect surfaces,” says Dr Stott.
She urges all South Africans to become aware of the consequences of infections and to do their bit at home and in the workplace to decrease the chances of the acquiring and spreading of infections.
“Generally infections can be mitigated by practicing good hygiene principles which includes frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after visiting the bathroom or before cooking food, and cleaning the home and office environment thoroughly on a regular basis,” says Dr Stott. “If a colleague at work is ill with a contagious disease, it is best they remain out of the workplace if there are workers who are vulnerable to infections, such as those who are pregnant or immune compromised.”
“HAIs are fast becoming one of the biggest causes of avoidable harm and unnecessary financial suffering. Through the implementation of effective infection control best practice protocols as well as effective training and education about the importance of good hygiene, South Africans can better protect themselves against infections,” concludes Dr. Stott.
