Do not apply standard and additional precautions when assisting a patient with an “alert” multi-drug resistant organism without first evaluating the type of “alert” multi-drug resistant organism involved.
Often when assisting a patient with an “alert” multi-drug resistant organism, strict isolation in all areas (contact, aerial, oral, faecal, large droplets) tends to be applied. Before applying an additional isolation procedure, the source of the bacterium, the mode of transmission and the condition of the patient must be carefully assessed. Always ensure correct hand hygiene and information to the patient and care givers that contribute to the care and prevention programme.
Sources
1. World Health Organization. WHO Guidelines on hand hygiene in health care. First Global Patient Challenge: Clean Care is Safer Care. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 2009.
2. Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). Guideline for isolation precautions: Preventing Transmission of infectious Agents in healthcare settings. Atlanta, CDC and Prevention, 2007.
3. Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). Guideline for hand Hygiene in Health care Setting. Atlanta, CDC and Prevention, 2002.
4. Epic 2. National Evidence based guidelines for preventing healthcare associated Infection in NHOS Hospital in England. London, EPIC, 2007.
Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.
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