Free Phases Of Management Control: National Guidelines On The Management Of Outbreaks Of Norovirus Infection In Healthcare Settings Article Review Sample

National Guidelines on the Management of Outbreaks of Norovirus Infection in Healthcare Settings

This article develops a conceptual framework that proposes national guidelines that can help clinicians and other healthcare professionals control diseases and sickness that is brought about by norovirus infection. Another concept that has been covered is a review of existing surveillance of viruses that lead to infection and a corresponding recommendation to the most appropriate course of action for improvement. More significantly, the article also identifies any requirements that relate to the use of reference and diagnostic facilities. These concepts are significant in establishing national guidelines on managing outbreaks viral infections. The article notes that norovirus infection, also referred to as Winter Vomiting Disease, NLV or SRSV, is a common occurrence in most healthcare settings (Viral Gastroenteritis Subcommittee). The concepts discussed in this article are not meant to prevent norovirus infection outbreaks completely, but, to develop simple interventions that can be used to reduce the impact.
Norovirus infection is a common thing in the community according to the article. In the article, it is noted that at least one out of every one hundred people fall ill annually due to the infections. Noroviruses are regarded as infectious agents and can be spread from one person to another directly through air, food and water. The article notes that these viruses are very much resilient and can survive for a very long period. They exist on things like worktops, doorknobs, tool handles, etc. This article notes that the virus Noroviruses spread quickly especially in a crowded area. The most vulnerable place to the outbreak of this infection is the hospital setting. Notably, in case of an outbreak, the potential victims are mostly patients who yet, may be suffering from other illnesses. The article notes that effects of the infection are not severe only on a rare occasion. Furthermore, they cannot be completely eradicated but can be controlled. There have been many interventions that have been developed to help reduce the effects and prevalence of the noroviruses all over the world. In a healthcare setting, one of the best interventions is responding swiftly in case of an outbreak (Viral Gastroenteritis Subcommittee). The article bases its discussion on the significance of having an outbreak control team that is specifically accountable for controlling the spreading of the infection. This team is also responsible for investigation and coordination of responses to the outbreak.
The article also points out that there is the need for early communication and quick development and initiation of early outbreak control measures to aid the control team. Specific early measures taken to contain the spread of the infection include washing hands with clean warm water, ensuring the all staff and patients use soap appropriately when washing, decontaminating soiled places in the healthcare facility and conducting thorough cleaning on the healthcare facility environment. Other significant measures, according to the article include cohorting (which involves segregating infected patients from those not infected), limiting any form of movements in the healthcare facility, managing visits to the healthcare facility appropriately and exempting infected staff from duty. Hospitals and health care facilities still provide the best way of handling an outbreak. The effects of the noroviral infection are reduced significantly when infected patients are discharged to step-down healthcare facilities to allow room for effective cohorting. Through this guidelines, healthcare facilities can easily determine symptoms (that include diarrhea and vomiting) as quickly as possible. The guidelines are applicable to any healthcare setting. Critical thinking discussion questions include;
Are there any other means/alternatives through which the noroviral infections can be contained? If any, how are they applicable to a healthcare setting?
What are some of the effects of segregation or cohorting patients basing on the infection?

References

National Guidelines on the Management of Outbreaks of Norovirus Infection in Healthcare Settings. Viral Gastroenteritis Subcommittee of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the National Disease Surveillance Centre. ISBN: 0-9540177-4-9