The best way to control the spread of infections is to practice good hygiene. This includes thoroughly washing hands, keeping equipment and surfaces in the patient's environment clean, and wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to stop the spread of infections between patients and to protect staff. One positive step that any healthcare setting can take is to use isolation carts to store and transport PPE and hygiene supplies.
Figures suggest that around 1 in 31 patients in US hospitals are diagnosed with an HAI (Hospital Acquired Infection) each year [1]. Infections such as influenza, Covid, and norovirus (stomach flu) are very easily spread in all healthcare settings, including hospitals, dental offices, physician's offices, and nursing homes. Not only does this mean that patients may have to spend more time in hospitals recovering, but it also contributes to high levels of staff sickness and impacts the service that health providers can give.
How do isolation carts prevent infections?
1. Quick and easy to use:
An isolation cart is divided into a number of different sections to allow staff to securely store and organize supplies of different PPE, including gloves, masks, gowns, and shoe covers. They're also large enough to store other hygiene equipment, including hand sanitizer, and have space for other accessories. All of the spacious compartments can be opened quickly, allowing staff to easily access equipment and change masks, gloves, and gowns between patients if required. They can also be used as a temporary storage space in isolation rooms or bedrooms in extended care facilities or nursing homes.
2. Streamlined design:
The slim line design of an isolation cart means that they won't get in the way on a busy hospital ward or other healthcare setting, such as a dentist's office.
3. Easy to transport:
An isolation cart comes complete with wheels so it can be quickly moved between different areas. They're lightweight enough for one staff member to push, and many have locking wheels so that they stay securely in place and won't be a hazard in a busy working environment. They also come in a bright yellow color, making them visible from anywhere, and can be speedily located in an emergency.
4. Easy to clean:
The best isolation carts are made from rolled steel and constructed in such a way that there are no hard-to-reach areas where dirt and pathogens could accumulate, contributing to the spread of infections. This makes cleaning the cart easy and straightforward and reduces the spread of infections further. Some carts are also coated in a special scratch and chemical-resistant material that guarantees they will last for a long time.
Choosing the best isolation cart for your setting:
A. Drawer configuration: Whether your setting is a hospital, dentist chamber or a nursing home, you'll want to go for a cart with a mixture of drawer sizes. This allows you to set aside a separate drawer for gowns, gloves, and masks (if this is best for your setting) and to be able to find the right equipment in a hurry.
B. Divided drawers: Tray dividers and drawer inserts are an excellent way to organize the space in your cart and make sure everyone knows where to find the right supplies. Having space to store more than one item in a drawer also means that the cart can have a smaller footprint, which is important for smaller settings in particular.
C. Lockable: As carts may be out on a ward, or used to store medication as well as PPE, it's very useful if they can lock.
D. Strong handles: Sturdy handle construction make pushing the cart a breeze for any staff members.
E. Customizable: Healthcare settings face new challenges every day and so equipment that can be changed to meet different needs is essential. Many carts come with a side rail
F. Accessory rails: Allow accessories to be added and removed without tools. Thus allowing easy cleaning behind. Also your cart isn’t “swiss cheese” with mounting holes everywhere.
Whether your setting is an acute care hospital, a nursing home, or a physician's office, an isolation cart is a fantastic, quick and easy way to reduce the spread of infection and provide your patients with the very best care possible.
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