System Safety for the 21st Century, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 27Infection Control

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, we will tackle the problem of infections as they apply to hospitals and like facilities. Discussion of system safety principles and tenants will be identified as a resource to help overcome this potential life taking threat. This chapter will define terms associated with infection and provide basic information regarding the problem of healthcare associated infections (HAI). The chapter will address: what’s currently being done, system safety considerations, further improvements, the application of system safety, and the future infection control picture.

Purpose

The overall purpose of the chapter is after some introductory material is to discuss the application of system safety principles and tenants in order to improve the control of infection in health care facilities. In addition to suggesting several potential improvements, there are also some new areas that should be investigated.

Definitions

Webster states that infection is the state produced by the establishment of an infective agent in or on a suitable host (Webster’s New Collegial Dictionary, G. & C 1980). In addition, the following other definitions related to infections may be helpful during further chapter reading and study.

Antibiotic. A substance produced by a microorganism and able in a dilute solution to inhibit or kill another microorganism.

Antimicrobial. Verb or noun for a substance that destroys the growth of microorganisms.

Sepsis. A toxic condition ...