Articles
Infection Inspection
Program Overview To address the issue of critical care-associated healthcare-associated infection (HAIs), Cabell Huntington Hospital developed and implemented a sustainable protocol of evidence-based practices, which empowered bedside personnel to reduce central-line associated (CLABSI) infections in the three adult critical care units. Objectives To reduce CLABSI and ventilated-associated pneumonia (VAP) infections
3 Design Considerations for Sterile Processing Departments
If someone is planning to build their dream kitchen, design is sure to play a central role. Perhaps that’s locating…
The Holiday Stresses of Working in a Hospital
Working in a hospital during the holidays adds another layer of stress. These tips for coping can help alleviate the…
Quality Patient Care Starts with Enlightened Self Care
Caring for others comes more naturally to healthcare practitioners than caring for themselves. That’s why in recent years systematic self-care programs have become an intrinsic part of quality patient care. In a high-stakes, high-tech, high-cost profession practiced within a highly regulated and tightly monitored work environment, job stressors can take
Face the Facts: What You Need To Know About Medical Face Masks In Healthcare Settings
Q&A with Kathleen StoesselRN, BSN, MS, Senior Manager, Clinical Education & Accreditation, Halyard HealthWhy do I need a fluid-resistant mask? If your mask is not fluid resistant, you are not adequately protected when performing procedures such as endotracheal suctioning, bronchoscopy, and invasive surgery that generate splashes or sprays of blood,
Lose Your Margin in an OR Minute!
How Surgical Delays Affect the Bottom Line Nowhere in the hospital is this drive for cost containment and increased patient volume more evident than in the operating theatre. Here, costs are measured in minutes and revenue gained on a per case basis.1 --J.A. Girottoet al. International Journal of Surgery OR
Packaging Dental Instruments for Sterilization
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) OSHA’s mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of America’s workers. As part of the Department of Labor, OSHA (and the states that operate OSHA-approved state plans) establishes guidelines and standards to promote worker safety and health that apply to
Pressure Ulcers in the Surgical Patient
Overview Medical personnel are challenged with preventing skin injury in the perioperative environment due to prolonged periods of patient immobility, compromised circulatory function under anesthesia, and preexisting conditions of many surgical patient populations. While great strides have been made in protecting the patient from skin injury, it is an issue
Is Your Surgical Gown Protecting You? What You Don’t Know May Hurt You
Introduction During invasive procedures, patients as well as the healthcare team are at risk for exposure to infectious agents through pathogen penetration of surgical gowns. Therefore, healthcare personnel should be aware of the relevant standards, guidelines, and professional recommendations that address surgical gowns. Through this knowledge, they are better equipped
Choosing the Right Face Mask: 3 Things to Know
3 things to consider when selecting facial protection in the healthcare setting 1. There are different types of medical face masks. Generally speaking, face masks fall into three key sub-groups: procedure masks, surgical tie masks, and N95 respirators. Masks that are authorized by the FDA are referred to as medical
Is it OK to recycle Halyard N95 Masks?
Halyard Responds HALYARD* N95 respirators are labelled as single use. The respirators are designed to be disposable and should be removed and discarded after exiting the patient’s room or care area and closing the door. Q: Do O&M N95s contain cellulose? A: No, O&M HALYARD* N95 surgical respirators do not
Can I Use Halyard Sterilization Wrap for DIY Masks?
Can I Use Halyard Sterilization Wrap for DIY Masks? O&M Halyard manufactures sterilization wrap under our HALYARD brand. The intended use of the product is for the sterilization of medical instruments and devices by healthcare professionals through various sterilization methodologies, and to maintain the sterility of its contents until use.