Description
In mental health care, effective infection control must consider the patients behaviour, range of infections, the environment, and staff knowledge. Physical health and ability to understand or cooperate can be impaired. We produced an infection control manual tailored specifically to mental health care. Universal precautions pose problems for example: soap dispensers can be used as missiles and should be securely fixed to walls; chemical disinfectants must never be left in the ward unattended; laundry skips and water soluble bags must be kept outside the ward. Single room isolation can have damaging psychological effects unless additional wandering space can be provided. Therapeutic and religious activities also create problems which must be addressed.
