A Lake Macquarie-based researcher is about to embark on a three-year study which could help to reduce the rate of infections in hospitals.
Brett Mitchell, a senior lecturer at Avondale College of Higher Education, is one of 10 chief investigators who will investigate the cleaning practices of 20 Australian hospitals.
The hospitals taking part in the study will be selected over the next few months.
Newcastle’s Calvary Mater Hospital recently recorded the country’s highest rate of golden staph infections.
Dr Mitchell says cleaning practices vary from hospital to hospital, and there should be a cost-effective standard approach.
“Infections happen in hospitals, and we know that the environment plays a role in infection transmission,” he said.
“What we also know is that there is a range of different infection controls and procedures out there, and there’s a range of different cleaning practices.
“So, we think it is a good idea to examine what is the best practice for cleaning? What kind of impact does that have on infection rates?
Dr Mitchell says he is hoping the study will ultimately ease the strain on local health facilities, and bring benefits for patients.
“Infections plays a big impact for patients – patients obviously can suffer pain and suffering from getting infections.
“They put a strain on the health service though prolonged stays in hospital.
“And then, as people end up having infections post discharge from hospital, that puts a strain on community-based and GP practices.”
Source: ABC