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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.
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 Fielden, 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):
- 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.
- Effective workforce planning to ensure adequate staffing to match workload.
- 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.
- Adequate resources should be provided for thorough everyday cleaning with an emphasis on cleaning high-risk near-patient hand-touch sites.
- 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.
- Compliance with hand hygiene protocols should be facilitated through education, motivation and improved access to hand washing facilities.
- Strategies need to be developed for optimal antibiotic use.
