Prevention by breaking the chain of infection

Shaw, Karen

Karen Shaw is infection prevention and control lead for antimicrobial resistance and healthcare associated infections programme at Public Health England

• This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

5 key points

1 Antimicrobial resistance is a serious issue that requires concerted action globally

2 Every infection prevented reduces the need for, and use of, antibiotics

3 Infection prevention and control is the responsibility of all health professionals

4 Breaking the chain of infection reduces incidence

5 Nurses are well placed to use every patient contact and intervention to reduce the risk of infection

Nursing Times 112(40):p 12-15, October 12, 2016.

Abstract

Shaw K (2016) Prevention by breaking the chain of infection.

We rely on antimicrobials to fight infections, but some microorganisms have become resistant to these agents. Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, and nurses have a crucial role to play in the fight against it. They are constantly in contact with patients and conduct many interventions - each contact and intervention is an opportunity to prevent the rise of AMR. To do this, they need to understand how the chain of infection works and how it can be broken, therefore preventing infection.

Nurses are at the heart of the fight against antimicrobial resistance, which requires multifocal measures to prevent and control infections

In this article…

> The growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance

> How the chain of infection works

> Role of nurses in fighting antimicrobial resistance