Understanding The Role Of Technology In Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infection - Dr Farah Ingale, Dr Atul Vinayak Ingale

Defined as an infection that occurs after a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility, Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAI) or nosocomial infections are absent at admission. Various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, typically cause these infections. Hospital-acquired infections can affect both patients and healthcare workers.

One of the most common wards where HAIs occur in a hospital setting is the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where doctors treat many critical diseases and conditions. HAIs infect about one in every 25 hospital patients. Over 1.4 million people around the globe suffer from infectious complications acquired in hospitals, which leads to a significant number of fatalities and hospital costs.

Today, with medical communities becoming complex as they are equipped to treat major diseases, and antibiotic resistance increasing in patients, cases of HAI will continue to grow; however, the good news is that HAIs can be prevented with the right amount of awareness and prevention techniques.

What are some common types of HAIs?

Some common conditions for an infection to be classified as HAI, it must fall into one of the following categories:

• The infection should occur up to 48 hours after hospital admission
• The infection must have happened up to three days after discharge or 30 days after an operation
• The infection must have appeared in a healthcare facility when the patient was admitted for reasons other than the HAI

Although the type of HAI might vary for different patients, some common categories of nosocomial infections include surgical site infections (infections that occur at the site of a surgical incision), Urinary Tract Infections (infections involving the bladder or kidneys, often associated with catheter use), central line-associated bloodstream infections (infections that occur in the bloodstream due to the use of central venous catheters), Gastroenteritis, Meningitis, and ventilator-associated Pneumonia (lung infections that develop in patients on mechanical ventilation).

In addition, patients with HAI might show symptoms that include discharge from a wound, fever, cough, shortness of breathing, burning with urination or difficulty urinating, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

How can technology help to combat HAI?

Although the importance of classical preventive techniques like handwashing can always be supported, the challenges posed by increasing antibiotic resistance prompt us to better our armamentarium to combat these infections. This is where technology innovation comes to our rescue. After all, early detection of pathogens helps us to start timely intervention.

More importantly, technology is crucial in preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) by enhancing infection control measures, automating processes, and providing real-time data analysis. Here are some vital ways in which technology contributes to HAI prevention:

Electronic Health Records (EHRs): EHRs enable healthcare providers to access a patient's medical history and monitor vital signs & lab results in real-time, helping them make informed decisions and promptly identify potential infections.

Alerts and Reminders: EHR systems can be programmed to send alerts and reminders for infection control practices, such as hand hygiene protocols and antibiotic stewardship.

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS): RTLS technology can track the movement of patients, healthcare workers, and equipment, helping to identify potential sources of infection transmission.

Infection Surveillance Software: Specialized software can analyse data to identify trends and clusters of infections, enabling early intervention and the implementation of targeted prevention strategies.

Telemedicine: Telehealth technology allows for remote consultations, reducing the need for in-person visits and minimizing exposure to healthcare-associated pathogens.

Remote Patient Monitoring: Wearable devices and mobile apps can track patient health data & alert healthcare providers when deviations from normal parameters are detected.

UV Disinfection Robots: These robots use ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect patient rooms, operating theatres, and other high-touch surfaces, reducing the risk of environmental contamination.

Automated Medication Dispensing Systems: Automated systems reduce the risk of medication errors, including the overuse or misuse of antibiotics, helping to combat drug-resistant infections.

Molecular Diagnostics: Molecular tests, like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays, can rapidly detect specific pathogens and their antibiotic resistance profiles, enabling targeted treatment.

Biosensors and Wearables: Innovative biosensors and wearable devices can detect infections or changes in vital signs, facilitating early intervention.

Clinical Decision Support Systems: These systems provide healthcare providers with evidence-based guidelines for prescribing antibiotics, helping to prevent overuse and misuse.

Pharmacy Automation: Automated medication management systems in pharmacies can ensure accurate and timely delivery of antibiotics.

Electronic Monitoring: Technology can track healthcare workers' hand hygiene compliance through electronic badges or sensors, providing feedback and reinforcement for proper hand hygiene practices.

Negative Pressure Rooms: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems) can be equipped to create negative pressure in isolation rooms, preventing the spread of airborne infections.

Interactive Apps and Portals: These tools educate patients about infection prevention, allowing them to actively participate in their care and report concerns to healthcare staff.

By leveraging these technological advancements, healthcare facilities can enhance their ability to prevent and control hospital-acquired infections, ultimately improving patient safety, reducing healthcare costs, and protecting public health.

In conclusion, the prevention and management of hospital-acquired infections are essential components of patient safety, healthcare quality, and the sustainability of healthcare systems. After all, reducing the prevalence and impact of HAIs benefits individual patients and contributes to broader public health goals.