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Problem statement Brian Kendley ID:1005605 February 16 2013 University of Technology

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Problem Statement The extent to which proper aseptic techniques, impacts disease prevention and infection control, in Kingston Public Hospital and the University hospital of the west indies in Kingston Jamaica.

Background

The emergence of life-threatening infections such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and re-emerging infectious diseases like plague and tuberculosis have highlighted the need for efficient infection control programs in all health care settings and capacity building for health care workers so they can implement them. An infection control program puts together various practices which, when used appropriately, restrict the spread of infection (WHO 2009). A breach in infection control practices facilitates transmission of infection from patients to health care workers, other patients and attendants. It is therefore important for all health care workers, patients, their family members, friends and close contacts to adhere to the infection control guidelines strictly. It is also imperative for health care administrators to ensure implementation of the infection control program in health care facilities

Purpose of study The purpose of this study is to carry out an investigation into the UWI hospital and KPH to provide comprehensive information to health care workers in the prevention and control of

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transmissible infections and to identify the correct way of implementing these precautions in the hospital setting.

Research Questions or Sub-topics 1. An investigation into how standard precautions impacts disease prevention and infection control in KPH and UWI hospital in Kingston Jamaica? 2. What is the relationship between universal precautions and disease prevention, infection control in KPH and UWI hospital in Kingston Jamaica? 3. How will Air Bourne precautions influence disease prevention and infection control in KPH and UWI hospital in Kingston Jamaica? 4. A Study into how contact precautions impacts disease prevention and infection control in KPH and UWI hospital in Kingston Jamaica? 5. How will Isolation influence disease prevention and infection control in KPH and UWI hospital in Kingston Jamaica? Definition of terms Standard Precautions Practices designed to prevent the transmission of infections from the blood; all body fluids, secretions, and excretions (except sweat), whether or not they contain blood; non-intact skin; and mucous membranes of a person to another (CDC, 2007). . Universal Precautions This concept implies that blood and certain body fluids of all patients are considered potentially infectious for HIV, HBV and other blood-borne pathogens (CDC, 2007). Air Bourne precautions These are used when preventing infections transmitted by small droplets with nuclei of about 5m or smaller. It is discharged into the air while talking, coughing, sneezing, air-way suctioning, intubation e.g. measles, tuberculosis or chicken pox. (CDC, 2007).

Contact precautions These are used when caring for patients infected or colonized with micro-organisms transmitted by direct or indirect contact. Examples of such diseases are impetigo, and diarrhea of unknown origin. Isolation Separation of an infected person from the healthy until the person is no longer able to spread the disease

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References

Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings (2007). Centers for disease prevention and control. Retrieved February 14, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/2007IP/2007ip_part1.html Practical Guidelines for Infection Control in Health Care Facilities (2009). World Health Organization. Retrieved February 14, 2013, from http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/drugresist/WHO_CDS_CSR_EPH_2002_12/en/