11 half partnership approach with staff, patients Preventing and of healthcare associated and visitors has continued to improve our Controlling Heathcare infections are preventable. hand hygiene compliance rates. Associated Infections Hand hygiene Aseptic technique The simple measure of cleaning Aseptic technique is a process- The Preventing and Controlling hands during patient care driven approach to reduce the Healthcare Associated remains the most effective way to risk of microbial contamination. Infections Standard aims to reduce the risk of patients Evidence approaches prevent patients acquiring acquiring are used to develop step-by- preventable healthcare an infection at the Eye and Ear. step procedures to prevent associated infections Over the last year, hygiene the contamination of wounds and effectively manage compliance rates have continued or intravenous therapy sites. infections through to meet Department of Health Education on aseptic technique based strategies. Healthcare target rates. We have continued and competencies around its use associated infections are the our campaign are currently implemented at the ‘Clean Hands? It’s most common complication ok to to generate a greater hospital. Achievement of these ask’ affecting patients awareness and understanding techniques is assessed by in hospitals. Each year around about the need for high auditing staff conducting these 200,000 healthcare associated standards of hand hygiene to aseptic techniques. infections are contracted by combat patients in Australia; at least the spread of infection. This Hand hygiene compliance rates 100% Eye and Ear 80% Victoria National 60% 40% 20% June 2012 June 2010 2011 June Nov 2012 Oct 2010 2011 June Oct 2013 March 2012 2011
11 Preventing and Controlling Heathcare Associated Infections The Preventing and Controlling Healthcare Associated Infections Standard aims to prevent patients acquiring preventable healthcare associated infections and effectively manage infections through strategies. Healthcare associated infections are the most common complication affecting patients in hospitals. Each year around 200,000 healthcare associated infections are contracted by patients in Australia; at least half of healthcare associated infections are preventable. Hand hygiene The simple measure of cleaning hands during patient care remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of patients acquiring an infection at the Eye and Ear. Over the last year, hygiene compliance rates have continued to meet Department of Health target rates. We have continued our campaign ‘Clean Hands? It’s ok to ask’ to generate a greater awareness and understanding about the need for high standards of hand hygiene to combat the spread of infection. This partnership approach with staff, patients and visitors has continued to improve our hand hygiene compliance rates. Aseptic technique Aseptic technique is a process- driven approach to reduce the risk of microbial contamination. Evidence based approaches are used to develop step-by- step procedures to prevent the contamination of wounds or intravenous therapy sites. Education on aseptic technique and competencies around its use are currently implemented at the hospital. Achievement of these techniques is assessed by auditing staff conducting these aseptic techniques. Hand hygiene compliance rates 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% Eye and Ear Victoria National June 2010 Nov 2010 March 2011 June 2011 Oct 2011 2012 June 2012 Oct 2012 June 2013