Preventing Infections

Tufts Medical Center has a comprehensive Infection Prevention Program to prevent transmission of infection to patients, visitors and hospital staff.

What we are doing to improve

• The Infection Prevention Program encompasses all inpatient and outpatient locations. The program includes education for all staff and for patients, families, and visitors.
  
  
• The hospital monitors key practices aimed at prevention of drug resistant infections (e.g. MRSA) including hand hygiene performance and adherence to Standard and Contact Precautions.
  
  
• The program includes an antimicrobial management team to ensure optimal antibiotic usage which also reduces risk for infections with drug resistance bacteria and C. difficile.
  
  
• The hospital monitors vascular catheter associated bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and urinary catheter- associated infection rates as well as adherence to evidence-based protocols that reduce the risk for these infections.
  
  
• The hospital has implemented evidence-based protocols to prevent wound infections following surgery. The hospital monitors adherence to these measures.

What you can do to help

• Remind your caregivers to wash their hands before examining or treating you. 
  
  
• Ask family members or friends not to visit you if they feel ill themselves. 
  
  
• Ask your doctor if you should receive a flu or pneumonia vaccine. 
  
  
• Wash your hands carefully after handling any type of soiled material.  This is especially important after you have used the bathroom. 
  
  
• Wash your hands before eating and/or touching your face; ask for assistance if needed.
  
  
• Tell your nurse promptly if any of your dressings become wet or loose. 
  
  
• Tell your nurse promptly if any of your catheters or tubes become loose or dislodged. 
  
  
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about breathing treatments and getting out of bed. Don't be afraid to ask for help, advice, or sufficient pain medication.