Impact of hand hygiene and biosafety in critical care

Abstract

Introduction: The article reviewed the problem of bladder catheter-associated urinary tract infections (BV-UTIs), which constituted between 20% and 50% of nosocomial infections in intensive care units. These infections, mostly related to the use of urinary catheters, increased morbidity and mortality and hospital costs. Historically, the implementation of biosafety standards and infection control, such as that developed in Great Britain in 1959, proved to be fundamental strategies for their prevention.
Development: Key preventive measures were described, such as hand hygiene, based on social, antiseptic and surgical techniques, and their ability to reduce bacterial transmission. In addition, the importance of training nursing staff in the placement and maintenance of urinary catheters, using sterile equipment and aseptic techniques was discussed. A project implemented in a public hospital in Rosario was also presented, where 60 nurses were trained to standardize procedures and reduce the incidence of UTI-SV, reinforcing adherence to biosafety standards.
Conclusion: The article concluded that continuous education of nursing staff, supported by evidence-based practices, led to a significant reduction in SV-TTIs in critically ill patients. This model, based on strict standards and constant training, proved to be replicable in other hospital settings to optimize patient safety, reduce complications and ensure quality care.