Isolation and Barrier Nursing

isolation means ..

The segregation & separation of an infected or potentially animal from uninfected animals

Barrier Nursing means ..

• Precautions taken when nursing an animal in isolation

• A barrier between patients

Reverse barrier nursing means ..

• Protective isolation

• Used to protect a non-infectious but highly susceptible patient from infection

Reverse barrier nursing is

Preventative isolation

Why do barrier nurses wear PPE

So the nurse doesn’t become a fomite and spread infection

Why is barrier nursing important?

• To prevent the spread of disease

• Protect other hospitalised patients

• Protect practice personnel

• Provide holistic care to isolated patient

How to manage the isolation unit ..

• Self contained - Designated equipment

• Ventilation - 6 - 10 air changes per/hour

• Temperature - Thermostatically monitored (18 - 21°C)

• Signage - Disease clearly noted

• Specified nurse

Why is a specified nurse within the isolation unit important?

• No duties in other patient area - no cross contamination

• Can need intensive nursing

• Holistic nursing care

Isolation Antechamber

• An entry way to isolation

• Separate room to prepare to enter isolation

• Shoe hygiene completed and PPE donned in this area

Shoe hygiene when entering and leaving the isolation unit

• Footbaths

• Shoe covers

• Different shoes

PPE when in the isolation unit

• Disposable PPE?

• Removed on entering/leaving the unit

• Completely changed between patients

Cleaning the isolation unit - Equipment

• Equipment separate from other area of practice

• Waste bins

• Broad spectrum or specific disinfection

If unable to dispose of bedding what should be done?

Bedding should be pre-soaked with appropriate disinfectant and washed at 60 - 90°C and tumble dried

If used bedding (in isolation unit) needs to be carried through practice what should be done?

Should be carried through practice in a soluble laundry bag

What should be considered regarding bedding in the isolation unit?

Disposable bedding should be considered

Isolation SOPS ..

• How to prevent cross contamination between patients​

• Protection for the nurse and other personnel involved from infectious body fluids and objects​

• Appropriate hand hygiene techniques​

• Cleaning and disinfection​

• ​What to do in the event of an accident, including exposure to a zoonoses, infectious agent or needle stick​

• How to deal with clients who have a hospitalized animal​

• Where to seek medical advice

Main points of the isolation unit

• isolated from the rest of the practice

• Self-contained unit

• Hygiene is paramount

• Follow strict SOPs

• Prevent the spread of disease