Prevention of Hospital Acquired Infection: Focus on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus

Hospital acquired infection (HAI) also known as nosocomial infection are infections that are acquired during care in the hospital and which are not present or incubating at the time of admission. Infections that occur more than 48 hours after patient`s admission are usually considered nosocomial. Proper hand washing before and after procedures in hospital environment remains the basic most effective way of preventing HAIs. Student nurses are one of the major group of health workers responsible for the transmission of HAIs due to lack of knowledge and experience. Thus this study was conducted to provide health personnel with more knowledge on the prevention of hospital acquired infections more especially MRSA and VRE in Finnish hospital. Also, to find out the role of a nurse in the prevention of these hospital acquired infections. A narrative literature review was conducted on the prevention of hospital acquired infections focusing on MRSA and VRE. Data was collected using online databases. Data collected were analysed using thematic analysis. Articles related to our studies in English or Finnish available in full text and free were selected for the study. From the findings, it resulted that SIRO is the organization responsible for the prevention of hospital acquired infections in Finland. There are however several methods in the prevention of Hospital acquired infection such as aseptic practices, isolation, use of protective equipment etc. In all, hand washing and disinfection remains the most efficient method of prevention of hospital acquired infection. Nurses play a pivotal role in the prevention of hospital acquired infections. These roles involves promoting good hand hygiene, making best use of aseptic techniques, the use of universal precautionary practices, patients education, as well as proper cleaning and disinfecting practices