The purpose of this document is to highlight practical recommendations to assist acute-care hospitals in prioritization and implementation of strategies to prevent healthcare-associated infections through hand hygiene. This document updates the Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals through Hand Hygiene, published in 2014. This expert guidance document is sponsored by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology (SHEA). It is the product of a collaborative effort led by SHEA, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, the American Hospital Association, and The Joint Commission, with major contributions from representatives of a number of organizations and societies with content expertise.
Cross Infection , Hand Hygiene , United States , Humans , Cross Infection/prevention & control , Infection Control
Frequency of OR wall and ceiling cleaning Key words: environmental surfaces, high-touch surfaces, contamination, cleaning frequency, hand contact. Waterborne pathogen development and associated risks Key words: Legionella, premise plumbing system, opportunistic pathogens, biofilm, electronic sensor faucet. Water management program teams and perioperative services Key words: water supply safety, facility water system, waterborne pathogen prevention plan, faucets, drains. Minimizing waterborne pathogens in perioperative areas Key words: waterborne pathogen dispersal, cross contamination, splash guards, high-risk hardware, sinks.
Surgical hand antisepsis recommendations Key words: surgical hand scrub, alcohol-based hand rub, dry scrub, wet scrub, antimicrobial. Surgical hand rub preparation Key words: surgical hand antiseptic, hand wash, nail pick, hand hygiene, scrub personnel. Use of a closing tray Key words: clean-contaminated, isolation technique, gastrointestinal tract, wound class, wound closure. Hemostatic agent classification Key words: Class III medical devices, absorbable hemostatic agents, product classification, medical specialty panels, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Mold in the OR Key words: Aspergillus, mold, fungal infection, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, neutropenia. Removing mold in the OR Key words: remediation, source, removal, containment, mold. Cesarean delivery surgical site prep Key words: cesarean delivery, umbilicus, surgical skin antisepsis, transverse Pfannenstiel incision, vertical incision. Commercially available premoistened single-use mop pad use in an ambulatory surgery center Key words: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectant, hospital-grade disinfectant, environmental cleaning, mopping, between-procedure turnover.
Laundering microfiber cleaning supplies Key words: cloth, mop, microfiber, laundering, microorganisms. Significance of contact time during cleaning Key words: disinfectant, contact time, cleaning, bactericidal efficacy. Mask use during cystoscopy and tonsillectomy procedures Key words: surgical mask, splash, exposure, barrier level, blood-contaminated aerosols. Use of radiopaque towels Key words: radiopaque towels, radiopaque markers, soft goods, towel retention. Personal fragrances in the perioperative setting Key words: fragrances, fragrance sensitivity, asthma, disability.
