Barrier Nursing; The Lowdown.

The Ebola epidemic which has no existing cure warrants a unique approach from medicine; barrier nursing which emphasises control and prevention of further infection. For now, this method should be considered to gain control over the outbreak.

1. What is Barrier Nursing?
Definition, Uses,
Procedures and
Directions.

2. Definition
Used to address highly
epidemic/contagious
diseases.
Management of
diseases which have no
existing cure.
Creates a barrier to
isolate contagious
patient.

3. Uses
Care and treatment of patients with deadly,
contagious diseases which have no
treatment options; giving control the main
purpose of this practice.
Provides protection for other patients and
medical personnel; not infected with the
virus.

4. Directions
Nurse wears pressurised
PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment) suit with
breathing apparatus and
body protection material.
Gloves are worn for routine
care; to be disposable.
Transport of patient should
be minimal; covering
colonised/contaminated
areas and cleaning surfaces
is required.
Protective face-masks
required for airborne germs

5. Infection Control: Methods
Aseptic technique: Reduces bacteria spread. e.g. Hand washing
Isolation: Isolates infected patient, prevents airborne bacterial spread
and protects immune-suppressed patient.
Blade safety: Avoid infected blood contact, contracting pathogen
through own wound.
Linen handling, disposal: Protects from bacteria present in patient’s
skin, contact with it through touching linen.
Waste disposal: Prevents spread through medical waste; highly
dangerous.
Risk assessment: Analyse every procedure in terms of risk of
contracting the pathogen.
Staff health: Upon any anomaly in personal health, everything should
be reported to superiors.

6. Cleaning Spills
Every spill in such situations is dangerous.
Area of spill should be covered with
hypochlorite solution.
Clean area with warm water and detergent,
wait or drying.
Waste=Clinical waste; yellow sack for proper
hospital procedures.

7. Risk Management
Routine care= Minimal risk
Low-risk=Requires gloves and plastic apron.
High-risk/Contact, Liquid splash, Waste
disposal= Wear gloves, mask, apron, eye
protection.
PPE required for prolonged exposure and
operations.

8. Staff Health
High risk and moderate chance to contract
and spread infection.
Immunisation is required upon contract with
restrictions to pregnant, non-immunised staff.
Cover lesions with water-proof dressing.
Seek advice if experiencing symptoms.
Report accidents and incidents.