The intensive care unit (ICU) is a specialized department that treats critically ill patients, providing meticulous monitoring and precise treatment. It is also a high-incidence area for infectious diseases. Among these, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a common hospital-acquired multi-drug resistant infection and the leading cause of pseudomembranous colitis and hospital-acquired diarrhea.
Over the past 20 years, despite preventive measures implemented in many countries, the incidence of CDI has continued to rise. In 2017, an estimated 462,100 cases of CDI occurred in the United States, with an incidence rate of 143.6 cases per 100,000 people, 51% of which were hospital-acquired infections. A study in a hospital in Shanghai found that the incidence of CDI among hospitalized patients was 17.1 per 10,000. In critical departments like the ICU, the incidence rate may be even higher. Research indicates that the incidence of CDI in the ICU of West China Hospital, Sichuan University is 25.2 per 10,000 patient days, while the HA-CDI incidence rate in multiple ICUs at Xiangya Hospital is as high as 14.1 per 10,000 patient days. Due to its high incidence, recurrence rate, and mortality, CDI has become a challenging global public health issue.
Clostridium difficile (CD) is a normal colonizing bacterium in the human intestine. Its spores are heat-resistant, acid-resistant, insensitive to many antibiotics, and highly resistant to various cleaning and disinfecting agents. They can survive in the environment for months or even years and are widespread in healthcare settings, including ICUs. Indirect contact transmission through hand contamination is considered the primary mode of CDI transmission in healthcare facilities. Once colonized in the body, CD produces large amounts of exotoxins that damage the intestinal mucosa, causing inflammation.
Critically ill patients often have multiple high-risk factors, such as the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, advanced age, prolonged hospitalization, immune system deficiencies, chemotherapy, severe underlying diseases, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and corticosteroids. Combined with the high resistance of CD to antibiotics, treating CDI becomes difficult once an infection occurs, making prevention and control crucial.
The WS 509-2016 "Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Hospital Infections in Intensive Care Units" recommends that hospitals, where conditions permit, should use dedicated bedpan sterilizers to treat bedpans, disinfecting after each use.
Bedpan washer machines use thermal and disinfectant methods, allowing for specific disinfection needs to be met. They not only achieve a high A0 disinfection level but also perform self-disinfection, effectively killing CD spores. Additionally, these machines reduce improper handling by caregivers, lowering the risk of cross-contamination among caregivers, the environment, and patients, thereby integrating "person-item-environment" protection. In summary, they are safe, convenient, and efficient.
In most healthcare facilities, fabrics used by CDI patients are typically collected separately in the ward, transported by workers to the laundry room, and then cleaned and disinfected. This process involves multiple steps and personnel, often lacking effective supervision. Hospitals with the necessary resources are advised to use fabric thermal disinfection machines within the ward to reduce transport steps and achieve safer and more efficient handling.
Patient safety is paramount and directly linked to the hygiene practices maintained within a healthcare facility. The adoption of MEDDO's bedpan washer disinfectors for hospitals can significantly enhance patient safety by minimizing the risk of infections, including C. diff.
Reducing Cross-Contamination: Using manual cleaning methods is fraught with the risk of cross-contamination. MEDDO's machines virtually eliminate this risk by automating the disinfection process, ensuring that every bedpan is subjected to the same rigorous cleaning protocols.
Consistent and Reliable Results: Health professionals can rest assured that each cleaning cycle delivers consistent and reliable results, maintaining high standards of hygiene and effectively preventing the spread of infections.
Freeing Up Valuable Staff Time: By automating the tedious process of bedpan cleaning, MEDDO's washer disinfectors free up valuable staff time, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on direct patient care, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of care provided.
In conclusion, the integration of a reliable bedpan washer machine should be considered a priority for any healthcare facility looking to uplift its hygiene standards and combat the prevalent issue of C. diff infections. MEDDO, as one of the premier bedpan washer manufacturers, provides an array of advanced, robust, and eco-friendly solutions that redefine cleanliness and safety in hospitals. Investing in MEDDO bedpan washer disinfectors is not just a step towards better sanitation—it's a leap towards better healthcare.
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