KRINKO recommendation: hygiene requirements for the cleaning and disinfection of surfaces
Targeted and non-targeted surface disinfection as a measure of infection prevention and control
Targeted and non-targeted surface disinfection as a measure of infection prevention and control
In 2016, the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infectious Disease Prevention (KRINKO) at the Robert Koch-Institute (RKI) updated its recommendations for hand hygiene.
Science has proved the benefits of hand hygiene; however, in clinical routine, compliance with hygiene protocols often lacks. In a 2019 publication , the Geneva-based “Infection Prevention and Control” (IPC) think tank headed by Didier Pittet identifies implementation skills training as the most important element in teaching hygiene practices.
Joint replacement surgeries are of significant therapeutic benefit for many patients, relieving pain and improving mobility. However, the advantages of such surgeries can be greatly hampered by orthopaedic surgical site infections (SSIs), which are associated with high patient morbidity. Reduction of the SSI-associated risk factors and strict adherence to infection control protocols before, during and after surgery are crucial to minimise infections and ensure a positive outcome.
Accounting for approx. 24 %, SSIs are the most frequent nosocomial infections in German acute-care hospitals, while the risk of infection depends on the type of operation. Bacteria, rarely in combination with fungi, are the most common pathogens of an SSI, and the spectrum of pathogens varies depending on the surgical site and type of operation, respectively. Based on the OP-KISS (German surgical site infection surveillance) data from 2010 to 2014, the Robert Koch-Institute reports the following bacteria shares for selected surgical procedures 1:
Choosing the optimal surgical gown for each type of surgical procedure is complex. Many aspects including hygienic requirements, wearing comfort, and cost-effectiveness have to be considered, so as to optimise infection control. Recent studies show that disposable surgical gowns could offer better protection during high-risk surgeries.
Almost daily, newly published studies provide information on the sources, transmission and prevention of SARS-CoV-2. In a current review, researchers are systematically evaluating the current state of science - data published through June 26, 2020 were taken into account.
Prof. Dr. Ojan Assadian, President of the Austrian Society for Hospital Hygiene (ÖGKH) and Medical Director at the State Hospital Neunkirchen, was co-author of an expert opinion paper of the "Initiative Sicherheit im OP" (SIOP) on infection prevention in hip and knee endoprosthetics. In an interview, he provides insights into the most important points of the paper.
