Mark Andrew Castelo Gaerlan Elective 2

BSN IV Paper #10

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A study conducted showed that there was a reduction in the rate at which patients
acquired infections when multibed units in the intensive care unit were converted to private
rooms. Healthcare associated infections occur in about 30 percent of patients in ICU. After
converting the multibed ICU to a series of private rooms the rate of !ethillin"resistant
Staphylococcus aureus #!$%A& decreased by '( ) the rate of Clostridium difficile acquisition
decreased '3) and yeast acquisition had gone down *+). ,he average length of stay for
patients in the ICU fluctuated but did not increase overall. Additionally the ad-usted average
length of the stay fell by an estimated +0) after changing to private rooms.
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.atients/ safety and comfort should be a top priority in any healthcare facilities. .rivate
rooms in ICU can help facilitate better infection control thereby lowering the ris0 of hospital"
acquired infections. Hospital acquired infections are often a result of direct contact with disease"
causing organisms. .rivate rooms allow for thorough terminal cleaning following each patient
discharge. ,his decreases the ris0 of infections acquired by contact. Also hospital personnel
can focus more on one patient when giving care without distractions. ,he result is individuali1ed
patient care and improved clinical practice.
In addition it allows family members the opportunity to be more participative in the care
of the patient which can increase patient safety through vigilant observation and e2tended
visiting time. .rivate rooms also promote a much quieter environment thereby enhancing the
patient/s ability to rest and recuperate.
,he downside to this type of setting is the cost. 3ot all patients have insurance and not
everyone can afford the pricey private room.
$454$43C46
Science &ail'( Private roo) intensive care *nits associated wit+ lower in,ection rates(
-AMA and Arc+ives -o*rnals( -an*ar' 1.( 2011