February 2, 2015

The healthcare professionals are exposed every day, or almost, to a large quantity of germs. Whether it is in directly giving care, or simply, being in contact with the carriers during various interventions, they are confronted with infectious risks as numerous as they are varied. Influenza, gastro-enteritis, Clostridium difficile diarrhea, HIV and diseases from the Ebola virus are only a few examples. Therefore, the question is: are they ready to deal with nosocomial infections? Are they suitably equipped to perform their role well, while providing maximum protection for their health and their safety?

First of all, knowing the specifics about the viruses is always useful. Clinical characteristics, the incubation and contagious period, how long the virus survives and how it may possibly spread is all relevant information to have. In addition, to act appropriately when dealing with the “bug” and to be correctly protected, it is critical that the healthcare professionals are properly informed about the basic measures of protection, as well as the recommended additional precautions, if applicable. On that point, remember that the Infection Control Handbook, produced by the FIQ, is a very practical tool!

It is also important to note that An Act respecting occupational health and safety (OHS Act) obliges the employer to take the necessary measures to protect the health and ensure the safety and physical integrity of his workers. This is true in all situations, but is of particular importance when it is a question of protection against infections. Take, the Ebola virus disease, for example. In this case, the employer must inform his employees as need be about the protocols created and updated. These protocols allow everyone, but in particular the healthcare professionals who are at the heart of the interventions, to be up-to-date on the recommended measures. They specify what must be done in identifying and taking care of a patient suspected or confirmed with an infection, his room accommodations and his transfer, the assignment of staff, the control of visitors, waste management, the disinfection of the environment, etc. This information is vital and must never be trivialized or ignored.

The employer must also set up the necessary training programmes, adapted for the staff likely to be exposed. This training has to be sufficiently developed so that the workers are relatively at ease in performing the task, while learning how to properly protect their health and safety. The training must be in theoretical form, but also practical, to allow everyone to develop the technical skills required and to train. Lastly, the employer is obliged to make available free-of-charge the appropriate and recommended personal protective equipment for the virus (think, for example, of the N95 mask in the case of the Ebola virus disease), as well as the material necessary for providing safe care for both the professionals and for the patients.

Obviously, An OHS Act stipulates that workers themselves must also take the necessary measures to protect their health, safety and physical integrity. They have the responsibility in particular of keeping informed, attending the training session and ensuring that the risk of contracting one or another of the infectious diseases they are exposed to is minimized. They must also participate in identifying and eliminating the risks in their work environment and see that the health and safety of other people is not put at risk.

The benefits associated with the preparation for combatting nosocomial infections are obviously individual, but also collective. If every healthcare professional has to be vigilant and careful for herself, it is the solidarity of the entire care team and all the staff which will make it possible to control the risks that everyone is exposed to, and thus effectively counter the existing pathogens or those that could exist, in the work environment.

If you have not received the information and the appropriate training to deal with an infection, or the material necessary for your safety is not adequate and available, it is high time to question your employer. If the latter does not meet your expectations or you feel that his response is unsatisfactory, do not hesitate to consult your local union team. It can help you to identify the means to correct the situation.

The objective remains to give care responsibly, for oneself, the team and the patient. It is crucial to be prepared and to act appropriately, without fear of the risks and without compromising one’s health and safety.

Do you know ?

You can get a copy of the Infection Control Handbook, produced by the FIQ, from your local union team.

The joint occupational health and safety committee in your institution can give you a picture of how much preparation your employer has done for dealing with the infectious risks.

The training, on one or another of the infections, must first be for the staff that are the most likely to have the first contact with the patients suspected to be infected or are infected.

If you contract an infection as part of your work, you must consult a physician as quickly as possible and immediately inform your employer. Contact your local union team to learn about the various steps in the claim process.