Antibiotics and the Dangers of Drug Resistant Bacteria

In every hospital, nursing home, or other patient care setting, awareness of possible infection risks is a vital part of protecting patient safety. One of the most dangerous threats of infection in patient care settings is posed by bacteria that have developed resistance to treatment with antibiotics, commonly known by the term methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

There is evidence that MRSA occurrences in the home environment are also difficult to control, combining human and animal contact issues in reinfection hazards and eradication efforts. More data is needed to identify primary factors involved in the transmission and treatment of these pathogens in the home. However, the problems and solutions are not limited to healthcare organizations but cross over into public health and educational issues as well.

Healthcare Associated Infections Decline

Efforts to prevent and control healthcare associated infections (HAIs) have produced substantial reductions in the incidence of patient infections. These efforts include simple infection control precautions like conscientious hand hygiene. They also include evidence-based interventions such as improved catheter management methods.

Four-part action plan

In the fight to counteract antibiotic resistance in pathogens, and to continue to reduce HAIs, an action plan has been defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These four core actions are designed to help prevent antibiotic resistance.

  1. Preventing the spread of infections through immunizations, safe food handling, and handwashing hygiene practices.
  2. Tracking resistance patterns in data to identify causes and risk factors of resistant infections, to focus prevention and treatment.
  3. Improving antibiotic stewardship seeks to eliminate non-essential and incorrect uses of antibiotics in humans and animals.
  4. Developing new drugs to treat drug-resistant bacteria strains, and new diagnostic tests to monitor pathogen evolutionary processes.

Interim Director Patient Safety and Risk

The effective design and execution of infection control and prevention programs is a critical part of successful risk management in hospitals and healthcare settings. NHS Solutions is currently seeking an Interim Nurse Leader in Risk and Patient Safety. This is one of our many opportunities for senior healthcare leaders to play a central role in the development, implementation, and maintenance of patient safety initiatives. Get in touch with us today to discuss an opportunity that’s right for you.

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