Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Recommended protocols for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment in a primary care setting to prevent the spread of infections include:
- Education and training: All healthcare workers should be educated about standard infection prevention principles and trained in hand decontamination, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe disposal of sharps to reduce contamination risks NICE CG139.
- Hand hygiene: Hands must be decontaminated immediately before and after every episode of direct patient contact or care, after exposure to body fluids, after contact with patient surroundings, and after glove removal. Hand decontamination should preferably use alcohol-based handrub compliant with British standards unless hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with body fluids, in which case liquid soap and water must be used NICE CG139.
- Availability of supplies: Appropriate supplies for hand decontamination, sharps containers, and PPE must be readily available wherever care is delivered NICE CG139.
- Use of PPE: Selection of PPE (gloves, aprons, eye protection) should be based on risk assessment of microorganism transmission and contamination from blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions NICE CG139.
- Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment: Although the provided excerpts do not detail specific cleaning agents or protocols, the emphasis on standard principles implies that all clinical surfaces and reusable equipment should be regularly cleaned and disinfected using appropriate methods to remove pathogens and prevent cross-contamination, in line with health and safety legislation and infection control standards NICE CG139.
In summary, the protocols focus on rigorous hand hygiene, appropriate use of PPE, education, and ensuring availability of necessary materials, combined with regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment to prevent infection spread in primary care settings.