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The war on healthcare associated infections (HCAIs), or so-called ‘superbugs’,
will never be won unless long-term strategies are introduced to radically reduce
their prevalence, says a BMA report launched today (Tuesday 9 June 2009).
Short term solutions like alcohol gel, dress code and deep cleansing must be
supplemented with sustainable evidence-based improvements that will protect
more patients in the future, says the report. It adds, that without a change
in direction the risk to patients caused by HCAIs and the burden on the NHS
are set to continue.
"Tackling healthcare associated infections through effective policy
action", a report produced by the BMA’s Board of Science,
calls for a range of measures to minimise the spread of infection and strong
governmental commitment focusing on long-term policies that tackle patient
throughput and high bed occupancy.
Dr Jonathan Fielden2, Chairman of the BMA’s Consultants’ Committee
and a consultant in intensive care said:
“Whilst we must congratulate NHS staff on their successful efforts
to reduce HCAIs it is time to introduce longer-term solutions that are integrated
and evidence-based. It’s not enough for politicians to announce new
initiatives that are just sound bites. Genuine patient safety comes from embedding
long-term strategies to tackle HCAIs.
Hygiene, hand-washing and antibiotic policies, have extremely important
roles to play but if we want to reduce the spread of infections we must put
safety in front of political targets. With many hospitals already working
at full capacity, this will only get more pressurised as winter arrives. The
pressure to turn around patients too quickly and the lack of adequate isolation
facilities create critical challenges to maintaining high quality patient
care. We want safe, timely care and treatment, not just fast care.”
The report says that overcrowding and understaffing in the UK healthcare system
adversely impacts on infection control practices, including decreased hand hygiene,
increased movement of staff and patients, and worse staff to patient ratios.
These problems can only be addressed, according to the report, with strong organisational
support that underpins the effective functioning of healthcare teams.
The BMA’s Head of Science and Ethics, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, commented
that:
“With an ageing population and advances in medical technology
and treatments, more patients are being treated than ever before and many
are increasingly vulnerable to infection. Infection control is the responsibility
of all, from the highest level of hospital organisation and management, to
healthcare professionals, patients and visitors.”
Key areas for action outlined in the report include (see page 29 for
a full list):
o Reducing bed occupancy rates should be considered a priority in the development
of policies relating to the number of available beds, admissions targets and
bed management policies.
o Effective workforce planning to ensure adequate staffing to match workload.
o Dress code policies should be evidence-based with emphasis on the appropriate
use of disposable protective clothing (eg gowns and gloves) when healthcare
staff are exposed to potential contamination.
o Adequate resources should be provided for thorough everyday cleaning with
an emphasis on cleaning high-risk near-patient hand-touch sites.
o The introduction of screening policies should be evidence-based and take into
account the practical and cost implications associated with the isolation of
patients, visitors and staff who are carriers.
o Compliance with hand hygiene protocols should be facilitated through education,
motivation and improved access to hand washing facilities.
o Strategies need to be developed for optimal antibiotic use.
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Any views expressed in the article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose
Ltd.. Material in this news item was released by the British Medical Assocition
(BMA) on 9 June 2009
and may have been edited (e.g. in style, length, and/or for ease of understanding
by our international readers) for inclusion here. For further information, please
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