How to Select the Right Healthcare Tools to Prevent Infections?
In a hospital setting, preventing the spread of infection is vital to protecting patients and workers alike. Infections can have a devastating effect on patients, families, and hospital staff and are a leading cause of death worldwide.
With such high stakes, it’s clear that we need to reduce the spreading of infection in healthcare. But with so many different infection control measures available, how can you know which ones will work best in your facility?
Here are five key considerations for selecting the healthcare tools that will best suit your needs.
1. Purpose
The first step is to know what you want the healthcare tool to achieve. Are you looking for a way to prevent the spread of infection? Or are you trying to disinfect a particular area? Once you know the purpose of the healthcare tool, you can narrow down your options and choose the one that will suit your requirement.
For example, you can buy latex-free nitrile gloves to prevent the spread of infection, or you can use ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems to disinfect a specific area.
2. Efficacy
Efficacy is the ability of a healthcare tool to achieve its intended purpose. When it comes to infection control, you’ll want to choose a healthcare tool that has been proven to be efficient at preventing the spread of infection.
One way to determine a healthcare tool’s efficacy is to look for clinical studies that have been conducted on the tool. Another way to gauge efficacy is to read reviews from other healthcare professionals who have used the tool. The key is to select healthcare tools based on the latest scientific evidence and proven to effectively prevent the spread of infections.
3. Safety
Safety is always a top priority in healthcare, so it’s vital to ensure that your chosen healthcare tools are safe to use. When you’re looking at different options, be sure to check for any safety concerns that have been raised about the tool.
For example, some healthcare tools may emit harmful chemicals or radiation, so it’s essential to ensure that they meet all safety standards before using them in your facility.
4. Cost
Cost is always a significant consideration when it comes to choosing healthcare tools. You’ll want to find the most cost-effective option that still meets your other criteria, such as efficacy and safety.
In some cases, you may be able to find cheaper alternatives that are just as effective as more expensive options. However, it’s important to ensure that you don’t sacrifice quality in favour of cost.
5. Availability
The last thing you’ll want to consider is the availability of the healthcare tool. In several cases, you might need to order the tool from a manufacturer or supplier, which can take weeks or even months. If you’re looking for a tool that you need immediately, it’s essential to choose one that is readily available from a trusted source. By considering these five factors, you can select the healthcare tools that will suit your needs and help reduce the spread of infection.
