Streamlining the prevention of hospital-acquired infections

James Hosler discusses the huge threat Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) pose to the healthcare industry.

“It is important that we institute a protocol that addresses the full threat that HAIs represent”
-James Hosler

Where do hospitals currently stand in their fight against HAIs?
James Hosler. Unfortunately, most hospitals are in an extremely weak and vulnerable position. Bacteria such as MRSA and C-Diff have grown stronger, while hand washing technologies have not. The industry is facing increasing infection rates, poor scores on JCAHO scorecards, and the financial burden of paying for treatment of infections acquired by patients while under their care. That's why it's imperative for hospitals to innovate and reduce the risk of HAIs.

Do you see any solutions that would help protect hospitals from these costly threats to their business?
JH. Yes, our belief is that innovations in hand washing protocols and products are key to a hospital's financial success and ultimate survival. Hospitals must recognize the need to innovate and fight HAIs differently, because current protocols are no longer effective and in reality, haven't been for quite some time. 

It's this reality that led us to develop our new Microdine Hand Scrub product. It's an innovation based on a very crucial need recognized years ago by the renowned Nobel Laureate Dr. Joshua Lederberg who correctly identified the need to address alcohol's ineffectiveness to control HAIs and improve hand-washing compliance. His suggestions inspired us to pursue paths that led to remarkable innovations in antiseptics.

Both hand washing products and protocols need improvement. Alcohol is effective at killing some germs, but not all. For example, certain C-Diff spores are frequently resistant to destruction by alcohol. Furthermore, alcohol-based antiseptics routinely damage skin when used repetitively. This has the undesirable effect of reducing compliance. By comparison, Microdine Hand Scrub kills 99.99 percent of germs, including MRSA and C-Diff spores, and persists with anti-microbial activity for six hours, yet remains gentle to the skin. Because it contains an active skin protectant (0.5 percent Allantoin), it actually promotes healthy skin growth.

It is important that we institute a protocol that addresses the full threat that HAIs represent. If we can introduce a Category I hand antiseptic that provides a persistence effect and combine that with the current hand washing procedures, we can decrease the incidence of HAIs while increasing compliance.

Has Microdine satisfied the FDA Tentative Final Monograph for effectiveness testing of a surgical hand scrub?
JH. Yes. BioScience Labs independently tested and verified that Microdine successfully meets the requirements of that FDA monograph; the test results and final report can be viewed on the website. Microdine uses our patented Nouristrat system to electro-statically bond a long-lasting protective layer to the surface of the skin. It kills germs in compliance with the FDA's highest standards, which require Category I antiseptics to be fast acting, broad spectrum and inhibit bacterial growth for six hours. At the same time, it helps prevent cracked skin and promotes the growth of healthy skin. We like to think of it as a 'win-win-win', because Microdine literally offers it all - persistent germ control, healthier skin and improved daily compliance. It's the Holy Grail of hand washing protocol - a product whose time has come. 

As health care providers, we all share a common mission to address the growing threat of HAIs. Our vision at DRSS Global is to change the way the world protects itself from contamination by bacteria, viruses and other germs. We believe our products make a meaningful contribution to this mission.

For more information please visit www.microdine.com

James Hosler graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and engaged in private practice of GI medicine from July 1979 to October 2008 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He was a member of his hospital's Board of Directors from 1987-93. Jim is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.