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What is a hospital-acquired infection? |
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An infection that a patient acquires during their hospital stay,
specifically where the infection commences 48-hours after admission
(e.g. MRSA surgical site infection).
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Why are Alcohol/Chlorhexidine hand
rubs, such as DeBug™, so effective? |
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When using soap and water there is often not enough time in a
busy shift for health care workers to decontaminate their hands
before and after every patient contact. DeBug™ is quick
and easy to apply, is readily available at the bedside, and
is more effective than traditional Hand Hygiene products.
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Why is DeBug™ so good? |
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DeBug™ is a user-friendly alternative to soap and water
and results in improved outcomes for patients by reducing hospital-acquired
infections. DeBug™ is unique because it contains 70% Isopropyl
Alcohol (kills bugs instantly), 0.5% Chlorhexidine Gluconate
(provides antibacterial residual effect) in an emollient base
(causes less skin drying). Solutions such as DeBug™ are
superior to gel-based products.
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Where should DeBug™ be located in
a ward? |
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To improve Hand Hygiene compliance DeBug™ is located
at the foot of the every bed, using a specifically designed
bracket. Studies have shown that bedside availability dramatically
improves health care worker compliance. Additionally, DeBug™
is placed in high-use areas including nurse’s stations
and on mobile equipment (e.g. IV trolleys). To minimise the
likelihood of adverse events, DeBug™ should not be placed
at or above eye height.
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How can usage of DeBug™ be sustained? |
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Health care worker acceptance and ownership of DeBug is essential.
This can be achieved by implementing a successful “culture
change” program similar to our DeBug Infection Prevention
Program. In addition, we also developed an interactive Hand
Hygiene learning package for credentialling of all health care
workers at Austin Health.
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I currently have cracked dry hands; will DeBug™ make this problem
worse? |
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This problem may have been a result of frequent use of soap
and water. The use of DeBug™ may lead to an improvement
in the condition of your hands because it contains an emollient,
does not remove skin lipids and does not require paper towel
for drying. However if symptoms persist medical opinion should
be sought.
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