The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 35 million people stayed in a hospital for an inpatient service in the United States during 2015, and over 125 million visited a hospital for outpatient visits during the same time. Out of these visits, an estimated 1.7 million people ended up with a Healthcare Acquired Infection (HAI). The CDC estimates that these additional infections increase costs for the patient and hospital by $4.5 billion each year.
So what can be done to combat these Healthcare Acquired Infections?
Infection control experts have created what is called the “Chain of Infection Control”, which outlines the specific conditions that need to be met in order for an infection to spread from person to person. Infection control aims to remove at least one of the links in this chain, so that the infectious disease is contained and not able to spread.
The Chain of Infection Control is made up of six parts:
1. Infectious Agent – This is the pathogen or germ that causes the disease.
2. Reservoir/Source – This is the place where the pathogen can live and multiply. These can include people, animals, medical equipment, surfaces, and even dirt, water, or air.
3. Portal of Exit – This is how the infectious agent is able to leave the reservoir/source. This can be through an open wounds and blood, aerosols in the air, or a spray of bodily fluids such as coughing or sneezing.
4. Mode of Transmission – This is the way the infectious agent is passed on from the reservoir/source. The microorganism cannot travel on its own, and requires a way to be able to travel. There are several types of Mode of Transmission, depending on what the pathogen needs:
- Direct – This is when there is direct contact with the pathogen, either through skin or a mucous membrane. It also refers to short ranged aerosol spray, such as that created by sneezing or coughing
- Indirect – This is when the contact with the pathogen is through some sort of third party. This can be airborne and suspended in the air, or through a vehicle such as food, water, biological (blood), or inanimate (bedding or surgical tools). It may also be through a vector, such as mosquitoes or ticks.
5. Portal of Entry – This is how the pathogen is able to enter the new host after being transmitted. This can be through broken skin and surgery wounds, the respiratory system, or mucous membranes.
6. Susceptible Host – This final chain is any person who is susceptible to the pathogen, but the most vulnerable are those with weakened immune systems or who are receiving healthcare.
enTaB offers a variety of infection control verification services to help you break the chain of infection control and keep your patients safe. Contact us now to find out how we can help.
