Page 136 - policy and procedure infection control

Policies and Procedures on Infection Control

6.8 Burns

6.8.1 Introduction
Patients with burn injuries are highly susceptible to infection as a result of altered physical
defense mechanism by the injury. Prevention of infection in patients with burn injury has
been recognized as in any other patient population. These include strict aseptic technique
during dressing changes or other invasive procedures and using isolation room in treating
patient with major burn or those infected with multiple drug resistant organism. Strategies
for prevention of infection and control are described in these guidelines:

6.8.2 Environmental Control

The major difference separating the patient with burn injury from other patient population is
the presence of open wounds. These wounds are susceptible to be colonized or infected
by organism/s from the patient’s own flora, or from other patient, personnel caring the
patient and the environment. Wound drainage cannot be adequately contained in a dry,
occlusive dressing especially during the initial period following burn injury or surgery.

6.8.3 Burn unit setting
Standard precautions should be followed when caring for all patients with burn injury.

Routine cleaning, disposal of waste and gathering of soiled linen is essential to keep the
unit as clean as possible.

Minimize contamination in the environment by using laminar flow units whenever possible
and proper maintenance of the air conditioning system.
1. Common cubicles

• Common cubicles are used for patient with minor burn (Less than 20% TBSA
burn)
• Patient treated in the common cubicles should have a spacial separation to
ensure physical separation at least 3 feet from other patients.
• Individual sink for hand hygiene or Hand scrub should be provided to prevent
cross contamination among patients.
2. Isolation room

Patient with major burn (More than 20% TBSA burn) or patient infected with multiple
drug resistant organisms should be treated in the Isolation room. The concept of
barrier techniques should be followed to reduce the environmental contamination
present around the patient (refer MOH guidelines for contact precaution).

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