Process + Technology = Better Patient Care
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Scan the health sections of the national daily newspapers and you’re likely to find a common theme, ways to improve patient care, and more specifically, how to eliminate hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Whether discussing the launch of the Department of Heath and Human Service’s hospital compare tool, or the approaching enactment of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement changes, it’s clear that HAIs have assumed a central position in America’s conversation on patient safety and quality health care.
Given the impassioned discussion around HAIs, specifically as it relates to their prevention, it’s easy to assume that all facets of the conversation are being fully explored. A number of articles have delved into the importance of better hand washing policies and procedural checklists in an effort to reduce and/or prevent HAIs. Despite the understanding that proper hygiene and standard procedures dramatically eliminates the risk of infection, nearly 2 million people contract HAIs annually.
This dangerously high statistic illustrates the need to look beyond relying solely on hygiene and process measures to reduce HAIs. While they have been proven to reduce HAIs, they cannot be used as a stand-alone infection control policy. Instead, healthcare providers need to consider a two-pronged approach to prevent infections, one that incorporates the use of the best medical technologies available along with strict adherence to hygiene procedures.
Based on the widespread need to eliminate HAIs, I founded MADRI, the Multidisciplinary Alliance Against Device-Related Infections. MADRI is based on the principle that a collaborative approach to infection prevention can result in better patient outcomes and is unique because it promotes conversation between healthcare providers, government agencies and device and drug manufacturing companies.
By bringing all stakeholders to the table, MADRI provides a forum to discuss and share information and develop strategies for the prevention and treatment of device-related infections. The MADRI conference this past June marked the eighth annual meeting. More than an anniversary, however, it marked a sustained effort to merge the best minds, the best technologies and the best practices to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Infection prevention is a responsibility for all healthcare professionals. With a solid commitment and adherence to infection control best practices and innovations in medical-device technology, the healthcare community can significantly reduce HAI rates and related treatment costs. With the heightened attention to HAI rates and patient awareness, now is the time for a renewed focus on leveraging clinically protective medical device innovations that can help save the lives of thousands of people.
Rabih O. Darouiche, M.D., VA Distinguished Service Professor, Departments of Medicine (Infectious Disease Section) and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Director, Center for Prostheses Infection, Michael E. Debakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Founder, Multidisciplinary Alliance Against Device-Related Infections.
MADRI- Banning Together to Help Prevent the Spread of Infections
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We were always told as children to share with our peers. Dr. Rabih Darouiche, founder of the Multidisciplinary Alliance Against Device-Related Infections (MADRI) and VA distinguished service professor and director of Center for Prostheses Infection at Baylor College of Medicine, has taken this concept and applied it to the field of infection control by creating a forum for the open exchange of information, ideas and case studies with the goal of improving patient care.
MADRI is an organization that was established with the goal of improving patient care through the advancement of medical device technology. The alliance is comprised of healthcare providers, researchers, government agencies and device- and drug-manufacturing companies. By gathering experts from all disciplines together for an open and educational forum, MADRI creates an environment that is designed to spark conversation, and uncover new and innovative solutions for reducing device-related infections.
This week, infection control experts will be gathering in Virginia for the 8th annual MADRI conference to share ideas and practices for improved patient care. The event will focus on identifying medical advances for the treatment and prevention of medical device-related infections, utilizing appropriate surgical interventions for patients with device-related infections and addressing the regulation of surface-modified medical devices. Leading infection specialists will present on a variety of topics, most notably legal liabilities associated with MRSA and catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSIs).
MADRI was created with a distinct focus on CRBSIs as many more central venous catheters (CVCs) are inserted each year than all other types of surgical implants combined. These infections are typically the most dangerous hospital acquired infection, resulting in the deaths of approximately 28,000 patients each year in the U.S. according to research conducted by John Hopkins Medical Institution. In addition to the human cost of these infections, they are extremely expensive to treat, costing upwards of $35,000 per patient.
Infection prevention is a responsibility for all healthcare professionals and the commitment to the dissemination of infection control best practices and technology will help to improve patient care and quality across the country.
By Thomas Cherry, RN, BSN
Clinical Product Manager of the Critical Care division of Cook Medical
http://www.cookmedical.com/home.do
http://www.cookmedical.com/cc/home.do
Top 10 Ways To Prevent MRSA
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People infected with MRSA Superbug have been growing around the United States in hospitals, homes, and schools. The media has been trying to make this infection known so people can prevent MRSA from harming others. To help the cause, we wanted to provide you with a “Top 10 Ways To Prevent MRSA” list. By following these recommendations, you can wipe this infection out of your life.
10. Allow your natural body immune system to battle without antibiotics when possible.
9. Ovoid unnecessary surgeries.
8. When handling blood, wear gloves and a mask.
7. Practice good health – eat vitamins, limit alcohol conception, and drink plenty of water.
6. Never swim in a public swimming pool with an open wound.
5. Bathe on regular bases.
4. Clean surfaces around the house
3. Never share personal items with other people – razors, toothbrushes, and band-aids
2. Cover open wounds immediately.
1. Frequently wash your hands to prevent bacteria from spreading.
With this list, you should be able to help prevent MRSA Superbug from infecting your life.
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