HowSOPsofInfectionControlReducingTheInfectionRate?
SOP generally stands for standard operating procedures that are mandatory to follow in day-to-day work practices. The SOPs are set by a particular organisation, authorities and government officials. In the case of infection control policies, the SOPs are mandated to understandandachievebasicinfectioncontrolandprevention. By following standard precautions, in public and private places, the infection rate can be reduced. The procedure will effectively help to eliminate the chances of microbial diseases that are highly communicable. The transmission of infection from any source of contamination can be avoided with SOPs. Let's understand how SOPs issued to provide publicservicesplayamajorroleinreducingtheinfectionrate.
SOPsForTracingTheCommunicableDiseaseTransmission
The SOPs under infection control policies are implemented to fight against infectious microbial diseases. The public sectors, such as hospitals, community health centres, public health departments and other healthcare service providers and authorities, must follow the issuedSOPs.
The precautionary measures statedintheSOPswillreduceemerginginfections.Itshouldbe altered when a single infection is noticed. Tracing of infection is based on the transmission route or the sources from which the infectious agents come. The bacteria and viruses are transmittedthroughdirectandindirectcontact.
Through droplets, air and water, the pathogens enter a healthy body. Hence, healthcare professionals are instructed to avoid directcontactwithpatients.Careequipmentanddevices also should be utilised with precaution while handling patients, or it can become the easy routeofcross-infectiontransmission.
Infection also spreads through droplets and air throughshortdistances.Therefore,healthcare services must take care of in every possible way to reduce the infectionrate.Effectively,the infectionshouldbetracedtoavoidfurtherspread.
BenefitsOfMaintainingSOPsInHealthcareSettings
● MaintainsQualityControl
The SOPs help to maintain quality control and ensure everything is practised as stated. In healthcare settings and service centres, infection control policies are
prioritised. These SOPs will encourage better accountability and ensure healthy practicesaremaintainedeveryday
● SOPsUsefulTrainingPurposes
The standard operating procedures will help to educate the healthcare professionals and staff. As the procedures are in written format, it helps the trainees to go through the policies step by step and understand them in detail.Itiseasytorefertowhenever youneedtoreviewit.
The infection control guidelines are evidence-based to prevent emerging infections and follow safety standards. It will also help to distract individuals from their bad habits that lead to the transmission of diseases. It is helpful for both existing healthcarestaffandnewlyjoinedprofessionalstofollowsafetyguidelines.
● EnsuresEveryProcessIsRunningSmoothly
SOPs ensure that every process is running smoothly. In the healthcare department, each patient treatment process is scheduled in an orderly manner to offer a positive experience and staff satisfaction. When the staff does not follow SOPs, you can clearlynoticeinefficienciesintheirworkflow.
This will further go against the infection control policies and deliver a negative impact. For example, staff doesn't know how to disinfect or sterilise the instruments, leading to widespread infections. It will further result in injury and illnesstopatients andstaffmembers.
Therefore, under SOP guidelines, everything is taken care of, starting from the inpatient department, human resources, infection control and prevention practices, logistics,cleanlinessandhygienetoclinicalmanagement.
● MaintainsCompliance
The standard operating procedure will maintain compliance. Not only in healthcare departments but even in corporate organisations, retail stores andotherpublicplaces, the procedures will act as a safety aid to control infection.Everypublicserviceplace must follow the regulated government-issued SOPs to provide a safe and infection-free environment to the public. It also protects the potential disciplinary action,fines,andcitationsrelatedtonon-compliance.
● HelpsInCrisisManagement
A crisis can occur at any time, especially while dealing with spreadinginfection.For example, the COVID infection doesn't have any certainties. The case can surge with the rise of new variants, and infections canleadtoanotherwave.So,youneverknow whenyouaregoingtofaceacrisis.
This is why following the SOPs will be helpful during crisis management. When things go wrong, you can stick to the policies to reduce emerging infections. In this way, the complete team, authorities and government officials will always be readyto faceanypandemicsituation.
FinalThoughts
SOPs or Standard Operating Procedures play a vital role in preventing infection. It ensures efficiency, consistency, and safety to simplify the operational process against infection. The step-by-stepprocedureininfectionpreventionisempoweredwiththehelpofit.Thedesigned standard precaution and practices can be followed at all times inanysituation.Withthehelp of SOPs, India fought against various infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, monkeypoxetc.