UNIVERSAL INFECTION CONTROL PRECAUTIONS.

1.1   Introduction

1.2   Risk Assessment 

1.3   Universal Infection Control Precautions 

1.4   Protective Clothing

1.5   Hand Hygiene

1.6   Isolation Facilities

“MANAGEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE (Including POST- EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PEP)”

What is Occupational exposure?

Occupational exposure refers to exposure to potential blood-borne infections (HIV, HBV and HCV) that may occur in health care settings during patient care. Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) refers to comprehensive medical management to minimize the risk of infection among Health Care Personnel (HCP) following potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens (HIV, HBV, HCV). This includes counselling, risk assessment, relevant laboratory investigations, first aid and depending on the risk assessment, the provision of short term (4 weeks) of prophylactic antiretroviral drugs, with follow up and support.

PATIENTS’ EDUCATION ON ARV TREATMENT ADHERENCE AND MONITORING OF ARV THERAPY

• To guide pharmacists in providing appropriate education and drug related information to patients and to discuss the role of treatment adherence in the success of ART.

Objectives

·         To understand the importance of imparting education and drug related information to patients

·         To appreciate that providing information about prescribed medicines promotes appropriate use, increases compliance and leads to effective and successful therapy

·         To  discuss the importance of patient adherence to first line ART

·         To understand patient barriers to adherence

·         To determine ways of promoting patient adherence

·         To list methods of assessing adherence

·         To illustrate relevant drug related patient information pertaining to ART and OIs medicines

Among various tasks assigned under Pharmacist’s role in the Operational Guidelines for ART Centers (March 2008), three specific tasks related to patients’ education on ARV medicines and monitoring of ARV therapy are:

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ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS TO ARV& OI DRUGS AND PHARMACOVIGILANCE

Any drug my produce unwanted or unexpected adverse reaction. Detection, recording and reporting of these reactions is of vital importance. Doctors, pharmacists and nurses have the responsibility to participate in this programme. Adverse reactions are significant cause of morbidity, mortality and can affect adherence to treatment schedule and increase risk of resistance and relapse of disease.

DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ARV & OI DRUGS

A drug interaction occurs when one drug is given with or shortly after another drug alters the effect of one drug or both drugs. Drug interactions pose one of the common problems as often patients take more than one drug at a given time. It is estimated that a hospitalized patient receives an average of 5 - 10 drugs. When several drugs are given together, interactions are bound to occur.  This module highlights