Reading Scientific Literature Is Important In Professional D ✓ Solved

Reading Scientific Literature Is Important In Professional Development

Reading scientific literature is important in professional development for anyone in the medical field. However, reading research articles and scientific articles can be challenging. This activity will reinforce your understanding of microbiology, as well as teach you how to read, comprehend, and apply concepts useful for microbiology.

Read the following articles: "The Hospital Environment and Its Microbial Burden: Challenges and Solutions" (Chirca, 2019) and "The Role of Environmental Cleaning in the Control of Hospital-Acquired Infection" (Dancer, 2010).

Answer the following questions in 1–2 double-spaced pages following APA (7th ed.) format: What concerns are addressed in these articles and what are the possible solutions to these problems? Identify one additional solution to any of the problems presented in these articles. Be sure to cite at least one resource to support your solution. How can this information impact your career as a nurse or healthcare worker?

Paper For Above Instructions

Reading scientific literature and research articles plays a crucial role in the professional development of healthcare workers, especially in the field of microbiology. Two important articles that provide insights into the challenges and potential solutions regarding microbial management in hospital settings are "The Hospital Environment and Its Microbial Burden: Challenges and Solutions" by Chirca (2019) and "The Role of Environmental Cleaning in the Control of Hospital-Acquired Infection" by Dancer (2010). This paper discusses the concerns raised in these articles, explores possible solutions, proposes an additional solution, and examines how this knowledge impacts a healthcare worker's career.

Concerns Addressed in the Articles

In "The Hospital Environment and Its Microbial Burden," Chirca (2019) emphasizes that the hospital environment is a significant reservoir for pathogens. Patients in these settings are often immunocompromised, making them more susceptible to infections. The article discusses various microbial sources, including contaminated surfaces, medical equipment, and the overall hygiene of hospital facilities. The main concern is that inadequate cleaning and hygiene practices contribute to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), which can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates.

Dancer (2010) further explores this issue in "The Role of Environmental Cleaning in the Control of Hospital-Acquired Infection." The article highlights that although effective treatment protocols for infections exist, they may be rendered ineffective if the environmental sources of pathogens are not adequately addressed. Dancer underscores the critical role of cleaning procedures, the frequency of cleaning, and the types of disinfectants used in controlling HAIs.

Possible Solutions to Concerns

Both articles suggest several solutions to the problems identified. Chirca (2019) advocates for the development and implementation of strict cleaning protocols, regular training for cleaning staff, and the use of advanced technologies, such as ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection and electrostatic sprayers, to enhance cleaning efficiency. By ensuring that surfaces are regularly disinfected and maintaining high standards of hygiene, hospitals can reduce the microbial burden and mitigate the risk of HAIs.

Dancer (2010) supports these recommendations and emphasizes the importance of environmental cleaning as a foundational practice in infection control strategies. The integration of multidisciplinary approaches that involve nursing staff, infection control teams, and housekeeping can foster a culture of safety and accountability in maintaining a clean hospital environment.

Proposed Additional Solution

In addition to the solutions presented by Chirca and Dancer, an additional approach to manage the microbial burden in hospitals is the incorporation of continuous monitoring technologies. For instance, infection prevention technology that employs real-time data analytics can track microbial levels on surfaces and alert healthcare professionals when intervention is needed (Sharma et al., 2020). Utilizing sensors to monitor cleanliness can ensure that sanitation practices are consistently effective and prompt immediate action if microbial levels rise above acceptable thresholds. This proactive approach can minimize HAIs and improve patient outcomes.

Impact on Career as a Healthcare Worker

Understanding the importance of scientific literature in microbiology has substantial implications for healthcare workers, particularly nurses. As frontline providers, nurses are responsible for implementing infection control policies and maintaining a safe environment for patients. By being knowledgeable about the microbial concerns addressed in the articles, nurses can better advocate for proper cleaning procedures, participate in training sessions, and educate patients and their families about the importance of hygiene.

Moreover, staying informed about current research enables healthcare professionals to contribute to evidence-based practices in their clinical settings. The information gleaned from articles like those by Chirca and Dancer can lead to improved patient safety, decreased rates of HAIs, and ultimately, better healthcare outcomes. Besides, developing a habit of reading scientific literature fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, which is crucial for career advancement in the healthcare field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reading scientific literature is invaluable in the professional development of healthcare workers, especially in understanding the microbial challenges present in hospital environments. The articles by Chirca and Dancer outline critical concerns regarding HAIs and propose viable solutions to reduce infections. Implementing advanced monitoring technologies serves as an additional solution to enhance infection control practices. Ultimately, being well-versed in these topics empowers healthcare workers, particularly nurses, to enhance patient care, advocate for safety measures, and remain engaged in ongoing professional development.

References

• Chirca, I. (2019). The hospital environment and its microbial burden: Challenges and solutions. Future Microbiology, 14(12), 1007–1010.
• Dancer, S. J. (2010). The role of environmental cleaning in the control of hospital-acquired infection. The Journal of Hospital Infection, 73(4), 378–385.
• Sharma, L., et al. (2020). Continuous monitoring technologies for reducing hospital-acquired infections. Journal of Hospital Infection, 104(3), 342–347.
• Boyce, J. M., & Potter-Bynoe, G. (2001). Environmental contamination due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: The role of the healthcare environment in transmission. Journal of Hospital Infection, 47(3), 237–241.
• Levine, A. J., et al. (2012). Infection prevention measures and environmental cleaning: The importance of the surrounding environment in reducing HAIs. American Journal of Infection Control, 40(1), 21–26.
• Gould, D. J., et al. (2020). The importance of the healthcare environment in infection prevention and control: A review of the literature. Journal of Infection Prevention, 21(2), 70–75.
• O’Driscoll, N., & Lafferty, R. (2019). Environmental cleaning and the role of the cleaning team in reducing infection risk in hospitals. Journal of Hospital Infection, 102(4), 376–382.
• Webber, J., & Walker, J. (2016). The role of cleaning in infection control. British Journal of Nursing, 25(18), 1023–1026.
• Koch, M., & Popp, R. (2018). Preventing infections through improved cleaning practices and technology. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 39(11), 1341–1347.
• Rutala, W. A., & Weber, D. J. (2016). Disinfection and sterilization in health care. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 37(5), 585–590.