Page 57 - CIJ JAN 2024 - Digital Edition

HealtHcare Hygiene

worked on innovative training resistance. Simultaneously,
modules for IPC curriculum. The strategic vaccine development
underlying concept driving this plays a crucial role in
initiative was the recognition preventing infections and
that if we are to effectively controlling their spread. A comprehensive
practice IPC collaboratively, it IPC programs have also approach integrating
is only fitting that we learn it evolved significantly with the novel antimicrobials
together. The role of continued infusion of artificial intelligence and vaccination
training and evaluation (AI), enabling more precise strategies is essential
cannot be undermined in IPC tracking and facilitating timely
implementation. interventions for patient for effectively
optimization. AI has found managing infectious
Innovations in further utility in infection diseases, promoting
Healthcare tracking software and clinical global health, and
decision supporting systems,
Innovation in healthcare allowing healthcare facilities to mitigating the impact of
entails the creation of novel conduct real-time surveillance emerging threats.
processes, policies, products, or and identify patterns, thereby
programs aimed at enhancing enabling prompt implementation
quality, impact, and efficiency of targeted preventive measures.
within the healthcare system. In tandem, augmented reality
We are currently seeing a mix (AR) has been applied to training
of advanced measures to tackle healthcare professionals, offering
healthcare-associated infections immersive and interactive
(HAIs) comprehensively from simulations. A proactive strategy involves
the basics like teaching programs Of particular interest regular assessments of infection
to new technology solutions. are development of many prevention and control (IPC)
Central to these efforts are applications dedicated to scenarios in community and local
foundational hand hygiene monitoring hand hygiene health centres which are often
interventions, now augmented practices. Telemedicine and ignored.
by cutting-edge methodologies remote monitoring technologies Leveraging technology is
integrating smart technologies like virtual wards have become paramount to modern IPC
to both monitor and encourage integral, mitigating the need practices. Integration of efficient
adherence. Going beyond for in-person visits and thereby data management, telehealth
conventional practices, there minimizing the risk of infections. services, and electronic health
is a growing emphasis on records not only streamlines
incorporating antimicrobial- communication but also
coated surfaces on healthcare Putting technology minimizes the risk of in-person
devices and frequently-touched to use transmission. Complementing
areas, adding an additional layer As we look ahead to 2024, these advancements is the
of defence against pathogens. a comprehensive approach development of a comprehensive
With IPC Addressing is essential, starting with the IPC curriculum. Strengthening
the threat of antimicrobial implementation of robust ground data surveillance and monitoring,
resistance (AMR) requires data collection systems at including cross sectorial
developing new antimicrobials primary and secondary healthcare collaboration, completes the
to combat resistant infections. levels for materializing the global holistic approach as advocated by
Researchers focus on action plans. Real-time reporting One Health approach, providing
innovative approaches, of infectious diseases, coupled a dynamic and adaptive
including combination therapies with continuous training for framework. IPC is always a
and advanced drug delivery, to healthcare professionals in data work in progress with a lot of
enhance efficacy and minimize collection methods is crucial. opportunities to get better.

Clean India Journal•JANUARY 2024 57
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