A global crisis on the scale of the pandemic we have been facing necessitates innovation and adaptation. As more focus has been applied to stopping the spread of COVID-19, other areas of focus have been impacted negatively, such as the containment of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Evidence shows that nasal bacteria are a primary component in the spread of HAIs. Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic can help reduce the risk without antibiotics, improve quality of care and lower costs.
Traditional Approach to HAI Containment
For many years, the accepted protocol for containment of HAIs has been a vertical approach involving targeted decolonization, screening and isolation. Identifying high-risk situations and individuals for decolonization and relying on procedural screening and isolation for the general patient population has worked, but it may no longer be the best option. The risks associated with the process and the financial responsibility of personal protective equipment (PPE) have opened the door to a more efficient approach.
Alternative Approach is Gaining Traction
In this time of constrained resources, an alternative approach, universal decolonization utilizing alcohol based nasal sanitizer, is now being embraced by an increasing number of hospitals and healthcare systems as a more efficient and cost-effective preventive measure for general hospital, ICU and surgery patients. This approach has the added benefit of increasing clinician and patient satisfaction as well.
Efficiency
Time is always a factor when considering improvements to our standard processes. It is imperative to find an approach that is quick and effective. Published studies have shown that universal decolonization resulted in a significantly greater reduction in the rate of all bloodstream infections in ICU than either targeted decolonization or screening and isolation. The combination of universal decolonization and alcohol based nasal sanitizer provides improvements to efficiency in multiple ways.
The traditional method for decolonization featuring mupirocin leaves a window of risk that is unnecessary due to the five-day timeline for reaching maximum efficacy. Alcohol based nasal sanitizer features an almost immediate onset of affect for the reduction of pathogens, minimizing associated risks. While more abstract than the other benefits, reducing the development of antibiotic ointment-resistant strains of HAIs is a powerful change for the better.
Cost Effectiveness
Limiting the spread of HAIs has obvious health benefits, but the advantages extend to the budget as well. Reducing the number of patients affected by HAIs directly reduces the associated costs for treatment. Hospitals that employ universal decolonization are also reporting reduced use of personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies resulting from fewer patients being placed in isolation. Combined annual savings from the results of these scenarios can escalate quickly, with one study estimating savings reaching upwards of $400,000.
Clinician and Patient Satisfaction
Making a change to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness has merit solely based on those two factors, but what is the impact on clinician and patient satisfaction? Compared to the screen and isolate approach, reporting suggests that universal decolonization increases staff and patient satisfaction. Easy application, almost immediate efficacy, and fewer patients in isolation are universal positives that benefit everyone.
Take a Proactive Step to Protect Your Patients
SourceMark Medical aims to advance outcomes and improve lives by bridging the gap between the operational and clinical sides of healthcare. Our infection prevention solutions target vulnerable areas within the patient and clinician care continuum to create a care system where no person’s health and well-being is harmed by preventable infection. Promoting the adoption of universal decolonization with Nozin Nasal Sanitizer is the next step towards this goal. To learn more or request a demo, contact us today.