Infection control in healthcare settings: Best practices and innovations

Fahad Ghazi Almutairi; Sami Mohammed Alaoufi; Ahmed Abdulaziz A Albahouth; Hamad Marshud Alotaibi; ‏Bander Khalid Baurasien; ‏Amani Ayyadhah Alanazi; ‏Yussef Falah Alharbi; ‏Fatimah Abdullah Alammar; ‏Khalid Assaf Almutairi; ‏Fahid Ayed Al Shammari

doi:10.53730/ijhs.v2nS1.15128

Authors

Fahad Ghazi Almutairi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
Sami Mohammed Alaoufi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
Ahmed Abdulaziz A Albahouth KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
Hamad Marshud Alotaibi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
‏Bander Khalid Baurasien KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
‏Amani Ayyadhah Alanazi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
‏Yussef Falah Alharbi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
‏Fatimah Abdullah Alammar KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
‏Khalid Assaf Almutairi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
‏Fahid Ayed Al Shammari KSA, National Guard Health Affairs

Keywords:

Infection control, epidemiology, healthcare-associated infections, isolation protocols, CDC guidelines

Abstract

Background: Infection control in healthcare settings is pivotal in managing and preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Effective infection control strategies require a deep understanding of epidemiology and implementation of robust isolation techniques. Despite advances in infection control, challenges persist due to emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Aim: This article aims to explore best practices and innovative approaches in infection control within healthcare environments, focusing on epidemiological methods and isolation protocols. Methods: The article reviews fundamental epidemiological principles, including disease frequency, distribution, and determinants. It discusses various study designs such as case reports, cross-sectional studies, and randomized controlled trials, highlighting their application in infection control. The article also examines isolation practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and provides an overview of standard and transmission-based precautions. Results: The review underscores the importance of accurate disease quantification through prevalence and incidence metrics. It details the strengths and limitations of different epidemiological study designs, emphasizing their role in understanding and controlling infections. Additionally, the article outlines the CDC's guidelines for isolation, noting the implementation challenges and the need for updated practices to address evolving infectious threats.

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