Infection prevention
wash. In the treatment group, 15% of the individuals developed at least one HCAI but the corresponding figure in the control group was 25.6%. In addition, 23.2 and 40.9 infections per 1000 patient-days were detected in the intervention arm and control arm, respectively. The incidence of all bloodstream infections was significantly reduced in the intervention group at 9.2 infections per 1000 patient-days, whereas for the control group it was 22.6 infections per 1000 patient days. The study concluded that daily bathing with 4% CHG wash significantly reduced HCAI incidence in intensive care settings. Healthcare professionals now have a range
of options for employing CHG washes for whole- body cleansing. For instance, Hibiwash, a 4% CHG solution that has demonstrated efficacy in killing pathogens on contact and reducing readmission and infection rates. Hibiwash forms a protective layer on the skin, without being absorbed, thereby continuously eliminating microorganisms over an extended period.15,16,17 The antiseptic wash is dermatologist-tested and gentle on the skin even with frequent use, representing a safe and effective solution for pre-operative cleansing, aligning with NICE guidelines and promoting optimal patient care and infection prevention. It is imperative for hospitals to closely adhere to NICE guidelines and incorporate CHG full body washing into their pre-operative protocols to ensure the highest standards of patient care and infection prevention.
Conclusion In conclusion, the implementation of pre- operative bathing using CHG full body washing represents a pivotal step in the ongoing battle against HCAIs, particularly SSIs. As part of a wider care bundle, leveraging products like Hibiwash, which have been proven effective in killing pathogens while remaining gentle on the skin, can further enhance infection prevention efforts and contribute to better overall patient care. However, to maximise the impact of CHG washes and other infection control measures, hospitals must prioritise strict adherence to national guidelines, such as those outlined by the NICE. Furthermore, by closely monitoring SSI rates and incorporating CHG washes into broader prevention strategies, hospitals can bolster their defences against HCAIs and ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality care to patients.
pp.357-362.
10.
GOV.UK. 2022. Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections. Available at:
https://www.gov. uk/government/publications/the-health-and- social-care-act-2008-code-of-practice-on- the-prevention-and-control-of-infections-and- related-guidance [Accessed 23 May 2022].
11. Swan, J., Ashton, C., Bui, L., Pham, V., Shirkey, B., Blackshear, J., Bersamin, J., Pomer, R., Johnson, M., Magtoto, A., Butler, M., Tran, S., Sanchez, L., Patel, J., Ochoa, R., Hai, S., Denison, K., Graviss, E. and Wray, N., 2016. Effect of Chlorhexidine Bathing Every Other Day on Prevention of Hospital-Acquired Infections in the Surgical ICU. Critical Care Medicine, 44(10), pp.1822-1832.
12. Tanner J et al. A fresh look at perioperative body washing. Journal of Infection Prevention. 2012; (13) 11 - 15.
Wigglesworth, N. (2020). Modelling the annual NHS costs and outcomes attributable to healthcare-associated infections in England. BMJ Open, 10(1), e033367–e033367. https://doi. org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033367
3. Adam-Howell P, Bhabra M, Enright M, et al. Taking a zero tolerance approach to preventable surgical site infections in UK hospitals; 2011. Available from: http://www.
carefusion.co.uk/documents/international/ continuing-education/infection-prevention/ IP_Under-the-Knife_CE_EN.pdf.
4. Totty, J., Moss, J., Barker, E., Mealing, S., Posnett, J., Chetter, I. and Smith, G., 2020. The impact of surgical site infection on hospitalisation, treatment costs, and health-related quality of life after vascular surgery. International Wound Journal, 18(3), pp.261-268.
5.
Nice.org.uk. 2022. Recommendations | Surgical site infections: prevention and treatment Available at:
https://www.nice.org.uk/ guidance/ng125/chapter/recommendations [Accessed 22 July 2022].
6. NICE (2019). Available at:
https://www.nice.org. uk/guidance/ng125
7. Department of Health. HCAI. Reducing healthcare associated infections. High impact intervention. Care bundle to prevent surgical site infection for prevention of SSI. London: Department of Health, 2010.
CSJ
References 1. NICE (2023). Healthcare-associated infections. Available at:
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/ healthcare-associated-infections/ 2. Guest, J. F., Keating, T., Gould, D., &
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8. WHO. Safe surgery. Available at: https://
www.who.int/teams/integrated-health- services/patient-safety/research/safe- surgery#:~:text=Safe%20Surgery%20Saves%20 Lives%20set,in%20all%20WHO%20Member%20 States.
9. Leaper, D., Tanner, J., Kiernan, M., Assadian, O. and Edmiston, C., 2015. Surgical site infection: poor compliance with guidelines and care bundles. International Wound Journal, 12(3),
13. Mölnlycke; 2020. How whole body washing helped Kettering General Hospital to become MRSA-free for the past five years [data on file]
14.
Rbht.nhs.uk. 2022. Available at: https://www.
rbht.nhs.uk/sites/nhs/files/PILs/Your%20pre- operative%20skin%20wash%20-%20June%20 2014.pdf [Accessed May 2024].
15. Mölnlycke Health Care. Internal Report REPR0495. Data on file.
16. Case DE., Chlorhexidine: Attempt to detect percutaneous absorption in man, Proceedings of the 9th International Congress of Chemotherapy, J.D. Williams & A.M. Geddes ED., 1976;3 (Chemotherapy): 367-374.
17. Tanner J et al. A fresh look at perioperative body washing. Journal of Infection Prevention. 2012; (13) 11 - 15.
About the author
Caterina Galani is the Global Product Manager, Antiseptics at Mölnlycke. Mölnlycke has been at the forefront of change since 1849, pioneering innovations that improve the quality of life for patients and those who care for them, while reducing the environmental impact of healthcare.
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