TABLE 2.

Readily applied strategies to reduce HAI12, 35, 40

• Hand hygiene ○ Use soap and water after patient contact, especially if hands become contaminated • Skin cleaning ○ Avoid scrubbing skin with brushes or harsh soaps • Gowns/gloves ○ Use best barrier practices when doing procedures, especially inserting catheters, central lines, or changing dressings • Antimicrobial stewardship protocols ○ Promote the use of the simplest and most targeted antimicrobials. Whenever possible avoid broad-spectrum antibiotics • Avoid drugs associated with increased HAI risk ○ H2 blocking agents can alter the pH of the GI tract and affect the balance between normal/beneficial flora and pathogenic flora ○ Systemic steroids can alter immune status and increase the risk of HAI • Minimize practices that disrupt skin barrier ○ Venipunctures or heel sticks ○ Catheters. NB attempt to minimize the duration of central catheter and other invasive instruments • Patient spacing ○ Isolate or cohort infectious patients ○ Attempt to maximize space between patients ○ Attempt to avoid overcrowding ○ Use alcohol bases antiseptic before patient contact