4 Patient Safety and Infection Prevention
Learn how shared responsibility, risk assessment, environmental safety, and infection-prevention practices reduce avoidable harm in patient care.
is shared
means preventing avoidable harm and reducing care-related risks as much as reasonably possible. Harm can result from medication errors, falls, infections, misidentification, diagnostic delays, or unsafe procedures.
Safer care depends on individual attention as well as reliable systems, clear communication, and learning from mistakes and near misses. A systems approach examines conditions that made an error possible, such as confusing procedures or poorly arranged equipment, rather than assuming that blaming one person will prevent recurrence.
Every team member contributes by following established procedures, asking when instructions are unclear, communicating concerns promptly, and reporting hazards and safety events through the appropriate process. Patients and families can also contribute by sharing relevant information, asking questions, and alerting staff when something seems unsafe.
Recognize and reduce risk
Risk can change over time, so reassess a patient's condition, treatment, and surroundings when their status changes, after a procedure or medication, and during transitions between caregivers or care settings. During handoffs, share important risks and prevention plans, and confirm that the receiving team understands what needs attention.
Falls are a preventable hazard. Illness, weakness, confusion, medications, and unfamiliar surroundings can make a patient unsteady. Prevention works best when staff assess individual risk, choose measures suited to that patient, communicate the plan, and carry it out consistently. Depending on the patient's needs, measures may include assistance with walking or toileting, access to needed mobility aids, and keeping the call bell and essential items within reach.
A safe environment supports everyday tasks. Keep walkways clear, address spills promptly, ensure adequate lighting, check that equipment is functioning and positioned safely, and store supplies so they do not obstruct care or emergency access. Follow facility procedures for cleaning, equipment use, and reporting environmental hazards.
Apply infection-prevention practices
Infections can spread when an infectious agent moves from a source to a susceptible person. Prevention aims to interrupt that transmission. are the baseline practices used for every patient, whether or not an infection is known or suspected. They include ; selecting personal protective equipment () based on anticipated exposure; respiratory hygiene; safe injection practices; and safe handling of equipment, laundry, and contaminated surfaces.
Use and correctly
Clean hands at the appropriate moments in care. In most clinical situations, alcohol-based hand rub is suitable when hands are not visibly soiled; wash with soap and water when they are visibly dirty or soiled. Follow applicable infection-specific guidance and facility procedures.
Gloves do not replace . Clean hands before putting on gloves when indicated and after removing them. Change gloves between patients and between contaminated and clean tasks on the same patient.
Choose according to the task and likely exposure. Gloves may be needed when contact with blood or body fluids is anticipated; a procedure with splash risk may also require a gown and face or eye protection. Put on and remove in a way that avoids contaminating yourself, the patient, or nearby surfaces. Dispose of or reprocess according to policy.
Add precautions and handle equipment safely
When a patient is known or suspected to have an infection that can spread in healthcare, are added to . The categories are contact, droplet, and airborne precautions. The required measures depend on the likely route of transmission and current clinical guidance.
Use the appropriate room, , and signage. Explain the precautions to the patient and visitors in a respectful, clear way.
Handle sharps carefully and dispose of them promptly in designated sharps containers; do not leave used sharps where another person could be injured. Use safe injection practices, and clean or disinfect reusable equipment between patients as directed. If a needlestick or other exposure to potentially infectious material occurs, follow the organization's immediate first-aid and reporting procedures without delay.