AJN compiles evidence on preventing acute care infections

A review of the evidence on community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia, surgical site infections and Clostridioides difficile infection suggested steps nurses can take to prevent and control the spread of these infections in acute care settings. Good antibiotic stewardship is key, as are good hygiene and contact precautions and the use of adjunctive environmental cleaning methods. “Given the profound effects that HAIs [hospital acquired infections] can have on patient outcomes and health care costs, it's clear that infection prevention and control measures are paramount,” noted the article, which appeared in the American Journal of Nursing (AJN), concluded. (AJN article, Oct. 2019)