Hospital hygiene challenges: An overview of issues and solutions

Abstract

Hospital hygiene plays a vital role in averting nosocomial infections and safeguarding the well-being of patients, medical personnel, and visitors. These infections, acquired within medical facilities, pose a significant global public health challenge. Despite advances in prevention, hospital-acquired infections persist as a formidable issue due to emerging antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and inconsistent hygiene practices. These infections have severe repercussions for patients, medical staff, and healthcare establishments, leading to heightened morbidity, mortality, substantial financial burdens, and compromised care quality. Key challenges in hospital hygiene encompass infection transmission among patients with varying health conditions, divergent hygiene routines, and obstacles to effective intervention implementation. To enhance hospital hygiene, solutions encompass well-defined handwashing protocols, innovative surface disinfection techniques, proper medical waste handling, immunization, and the adoption of personal protective gear. Potential remedies also extend to exploring the utility of natural essential oils. Furthermore, advanced sterilization methods like steam sterilization, ultraviolet radiation sterilization, and cold plasma technology hold promise for curbing nosocomial infections.