The misconception of the general public is that hospitals and/or healthcare facilities are some of the safest and cleanest environments. However, contrary to popular belief, this is not the case. Many deaths occur per year in the U.S due to infections acquired at hospitals. Nosocomial infections, also known as, hospital acquired infections (HAIs), are infections that are developed in a healthcare setting. These types of infections are usually spread from patient to patient and from staff members (Martin and McFerran 628). Though a majority of nosocomial infections are preventable through proper hand washing techniques, federal government agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), should provide continuous education programs to decrease the amount of cases reported per year in the United States through proper protocol, quality control measures and surface sanitizing, and increased awareness.
Hospitals and other health care facilities do have regulations and protocol that contribute to preventive measures. This can include wearing proper uniform and sterilization (McBryde 104-108). Sterilization not only controls the spread of pathogens by sanitizing, but also kills microorganisms on surfaces and equipment. Clothing worn by patients and staff members are thoroughly sterilized using dry heat. Surfaces and equipment should be sterilized using radiation, steam pressure and chemicals. Isolation should also be used, especially if the disease in play is a contagious disease. Isolation protocols are designed to stop and prevent transmission of pathogens. An interruption in transfer of disease is vital being that disease spread by agent to host is much harder to control (Interim). This protocol is usually achieved by using an isolation or negative pressure room. These types of rooms have their own pure oxygen and ventilation system.
