Infection control is a concept in the medical profession that is universal promoted. Statistically, diseases caused by infection are one of the easiest to prevent, yet hardest to control once one of them spreads. Annually, there are about two million infections in your average clinic. This issue is being monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) and many local committees.
So before you head out for any cosmetic procedure, or just a spa day with the girls, be sure to keep the following in mind.
What is being done to prevent infection?
All health care agents are required to follow preventive measures such as washing hands, and using protective equipments such as gloves, coats, masks and eye shields. Used inventory such as needles and bandages are discarded properly and equipments are sterilized for the next patient.
These are taught in basic medical courses to students and is given further emphasis once they enter the field. All fresh graduates who choose to practice medicine are taught the standard sterilization procedures for the health agency that they enter.
Aside from formal education, infection control updates are sent out to hospital heads via a system of news networking. Many are required to attend seminars and conferences to give doctors and managers ideas on preventive measures. Mass media also helps by providing public health announcements to ensure that all patients that will undergo health care will know how to avoid unnecessary illnesses.
Health agents that do not comply with these rules are given penalties, and may sometimes be shut down. In many controversial cases, health providers are stripped of their licenses, and are banned from further performing any medical procedures or profession.
How do I know if my clinic is safe?
Health practitioners are proud of their licenses and are careful not to lose it. This is why hospitals are strict in implementing these rules. However, if you would like like to make sure, the best way is to visit your clinic and consult a representative. Most will be happy to defend their facilities with a tour, as long as their patient’s rights are not violated.
You can also check on your health care agent by going to their website. Many hospitals post online presentations, videos and pictures of their facilities and services. Checking if your clinic is part of the top performing medical centers in your area is also a good way to ensure that the setting is safe, as these hospitals are always in the public eye.
Lastly, to get accurate information about your clinic, you may contact HICPAC and ask for any public document available from the most recent inspection, such as the clinic’s history and doctors. You may contact them at: http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/contact.html
References:
- “Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/about.html
- “Poor infection control at many surgery centers” MSN. http://rss.msnbc.msn.com/id/37577363/
- “Definition of Infection” Medicine Network. http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12923
- Texas Department of State Health Services. Infection Control Manual for Ambulatory Care Clinics, 2009 4th Edition. http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/infection_control/manual/InfectionControlManual.pdf
- Infection Control Committee, Department of Health. Guidelines on Infection Control Practicein the Clinic Setting December 2006 (Revised). http://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/grp_ic_practice_in_clinic2005011101.pdf