Wound cleansing and the application of adequate phase-oriented wound dressings are an important line of defence against surgical site infections (SSI), a serious complication which affects millions of patients every year. Dressings not only act as a physical barrier to avoid wound contamination but can actively support the healing process.
Coronaviruses are ring-shaped, enveloped RNA viruses of the family Coronaviridae.
The theme this year promises an exciting event: ‘Wound Wars: May the Cure be with you’. As health care and wound care professionals we battle with chronic complex wounds everyday of our life and we hope that we have the solution to all their problems especially to save the Limb and the life.
In 2016, nearly 59 million operations and medical procedures were conducted in German hospitals. According to a representative analysis, surgical site infections (SSI) accounted for 22.4% of nosocomial infections, exceeded only by lower respiratory infections. Considerable attention should be given to the prevention of SSI, as they can be associated with a 2 to 11-fold increase in a patient’s mortality rate. With the appropriate pre-, intra- and postoperative measures, however, up to 60% of all SSI can be prevented. On this factsheet you will find information on preoperative risk factors and prevention options.
During the peak phase of the coronavirus epidemic in China, scientists in a 3,300-bed hospital in Wuhan investigated the surfaces and objects on which the novel SARS-CoV-2 can be found. Researchers took surface swabs in different risk zones and evaluated the distribution of the contamination in percentage terms. The investigations took place at a time when extensive disinfection measures had already been installed and the personnel were also already aware of the risk of transmission.
Patient environments play a significant role in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and surgical site infections (SSIs). To reduce contamination risks, perioperative staff should use a bundled approach to perform standardized cleaning and disinfection routines. Effective yet time-efficient environmental cleaning involves identifying high-touch surfaces and patient-near areas, as they are relevant for evaluating the risk of pathogen transmission. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) gives guidance on cleaning and disinfection measures for surfaces in various areas. Recommendations are based on the frequency of hand and skin contact:
hygiene in practice is a movement for everyone who cares about clean and sterile working environments. By maintaining a high level of hygiene, healthcare professionals keep themselves and their patients safe and healthy.
On this hub, we accompany professionals with up-to-date research in the fields of hygiene, microbiology and epidemiology. We combine the science with practical guidelines, useful facts, and everyday experiences of healthcare professionals regarding protection and comfort issues.
Our mission is to simplify the change in thinking and acting to minimise infection rates.
As an international supplier of medical devices and hygiene products, Lohmann & Rauscher understands the needs of people who take care of patients. With hygiene in practice, we provide both information and solutions.
