Outcome 3.1 Environmental Interventions (Patient-Centered Care): Safety, Rights, and Risk Reduction

Standard precautions

A set of infection-prevention practices used with every patient to assume that blood and many body fluids can carry pathogens.

Hand hygiene

The practice of cleaning hands at key moments to reduce infection transmission.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Gear worn to protect against exposure to hazards, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.

Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette

Practices to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, including covering coughs and distancing.

Sharps safety

Protocols for the safe use and disposal of sharp items to prevent injuries.

Cleaning/disinfection

The process of cleaning shared equipment and environments to reduce microbial load.

Patient rights

Protections supporting patient dignity, autonomy, privacy, and safe care.

Informed consent

The process of obtaining agreement from a patient to proceed with treatment after providing relevant information.

Capacity/competence

The ability of a patient to make informed decisions about their own healthcare.

Disclosure

Providing a patient with necessary information about a procedure or treatment, including risks and benefits.

Confidentiality

The ethical principle of protecting personal health information from being disclosed without consent.

Minimum necessary standard

Guideline to share only the amount of protected health information needed for a specific purpose.

Environmental hazards

Unsafe conditions in a healthcare setting that can cause injury, such as slips and falls.

Electrical hazards

Unsafe conditions related to electrical equipment that could result in shock, burns, or fires.

Chemical risks

Health risks associated with exposure to harmful chemicals through inhalation, contact, or ingestion.

Ergonomics

The study and practice of designing workspaces and tasks to fit the human body, minimizing strain.

Aseptic technique

Practices aimed at reducing microbial contamination and preventing infection.

Sterile technique

Practices used to create a sterile environment with the complete absence of microorganisms.

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets regulations and standards for workplace safety.

Hazardous materials

Substances that can pose a risk to health if mishandled, such as blood, certain medications, and chemicals.

Noise control

Strategies implemented in healthcare settings to reduce distractions and environmental noise.

Illness due to healthcare-associated infections

Infections acquired during hospital stays, often preventable with proper protocols.

Patient-centered care

An approach to healthcare that respects and responds to the individual patient's preferences, needs, and values.

Capacity vs. competence

Capacity refers to the patient's ability to make decisions, while competence is a legal term recognized in specific contexts.

Compliance failures

Mistakes related to adherence to established safety protocols and procedures.

Medically-related risks

Potential hazards in healthcare associated with procedures, treatments, and environmental conditions.

Security of patient information

Maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of health data as mandated by regulations like HIPAA.

Emergency exposure procedures

Actions that must be taken immediately following a hazardous exposure incident.