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How to prevent postoperative infections

Accreditation Connection, October 22, 2004

Without thorough infection control (IC) routines, patients could suffer moderate to severe postoperative infections. The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the JCAHO closely examine practices, from the surgeons' practice patterns to the cleaning services used by the organization. Surveyors will want to see that staff follow IC throughout the organization. Therefore, it's important to pay close attention to the cleanliness of the facility, including nonpatient areas. Your hospital may consider a variety of measures.

Without thorough IC routines, patients could suffer moderate to severe postoperative infections. The AAAHC and JCAHO closely examine centers' practices, from the surgeons' practice patterns to the cleaning services used by the organization. Surveyors will want to see that staff follow IC throughout the organization. Therefore, it's important to pay close attention to the cleanliness of the facility, including nonpatient areas.

Your hospital may consider a variety of measures, including the following:

* Demonstrate to the cleaning service how to clean in accordance with the facility's guidelines and accepted universal precaution practices.

* Explain to the housekeeping staff appropriate after-hours dress. For example, they shouldn't wear street clothes while cleaning the facility.

* Make sure the cleaners use appropriate solutions to decontaminate rooms, including proper ratios of mixtures.

* Train housekeeping staff to pay close attention to terminal disinfection, such as thoroughly cleaning operating room walls, ceilings, and tiles with a properly measured decontaminates mixture. Also, train staff to clean ventilation units, such as filters.

Tend to sterilization of equipment by doing the following:

* Test and retest sterilization equipment to ensure it works properly before use. If calibration standards fall short, call the manufacturer.

* Don't flash-sterilize instruments in lieu of proper disinfection. This practice is only recommended in an emergency situation.

* Maintain proper air exchange. Appoint a trained staff member or hire a professional to change air filters quarterly or when necessary.

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