LESSON IN DISINFECTANTS FOR MASSAGE THERAPISTS. abstract.
COURSE NAME. MASSAGE THERAPIST CERTIFICATION.
[Audio] 1. Identify the role of disinfectants in mitigating the chain of infection. 2. Research and enumerate the common disinfectants used in massage therapy setting. 3. Factors to consider in choosing the right choice of disinfectants..
RATIONALE. Maintaining an aseptic environment significantly mitigates the risk of infection transmission, thereby safeguarding the well-being and safety of both the massage therapist and the client..
SCRIPT #1. Modern healthcare systems are built on the principle of infection control, which protects patients, healthcare workers, and the general public..
SCRIPT #1. What exactly is a disinfectant, and what are the mechanisms by which it mitigates the chain of infection?.
SCRIPT #1. In the previous topic, we talked about the chain of infection, in which there are six distinct connections. Now, we’ll talk about how disinfectants play a crucial role in preventing the chain of infection..
SCRIPT #2. What are the common disinfectants use in massage therapy setting?.
SCRIPT #2. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Mechanism: Quats disrupt the cell membrane and interfere with the metabolism of microorganisms, ultimately leading to their destruction. Effective Against: Quats are effective against many bacteria and some enveloped viruses but may not be as effective against non-enveloped viruses or certain fungi..
SCRIPT #2. Phenolic Disinfectants Mechanism: Phenolic disinfectants primarily target the cell walls of microorganisms, which serve as a protective barrier. These disinfectants can weaken and disrupt the integrity of the cell wall by breaking down its structural components. The disruption of the cell wall makes it easier for the disinfectant to penetrate the microorganism. Effective against: various bacteria and some fungi but may have limited effectiveness against certain viruses..
SCRIPT # 3. In choosing the right disinfectant, we consider microbiological risk assessment. Disinfection policies should be also based on risk assessment to control cross-contamination while reducing the risk caused by exposure to infectious agents. Assessing the surface's vulnerability and the specific pathogen's characteristics should guide the selection of suitable antimicrobial agents..
SCRIPT # 3. It's essential for individuals to understand and adopt these practices, as they enhance cleaning effectiveness and contribute to infection control..
SCRIPT # 3. According to the Code of Practice to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulation 2020, the biological agents can be classified into four risk groups. The classification takes into account:.
2. Virulence. This factor assesses the ability of a microorganism (such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus) to penetrate and multiply inside a host organism. Microorganisms with high virulence can enter a host, evade the host's immune defenses, and reproduce within the host, potentially causing a more severe infection..
SCRIPT #3. 4. Treatment. The availability of effective prophylaxis (preventive measures) or therapy (treatment options) is crucial in classifying biological agents. Agents for which there are vaccines, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, or other treatments that can mitigate the impact of infection are generally considered less risky because they can be managed more effectively..
SCRIPT #3. Some factors influence the activity of antimicrobial agents (Disinfectants)..
SCRIPT #3. 1- The number and type of microorganisms.
SCRIPT #3. 2- The type and concentration of the antimicrobial.
SCRIPT #3. 3- pH of the solution On the other hand, some disinfectants are more effective when they are in their ionized form. Additionally, it's important to note that any pH changes can also impact the stability of the disinfectant compound..
4- Formulation. SCRIPT #3. These additives have the potential to interact with microorganisms or the active ingredients and consequently impact the disinfectant's effectiveness. However, much of the information regarding how these additives affect disinfectant activity is not publicly available because they are often proprietary secrets..
SCRIPT #3. 5- Length of Exposure. While the effectiveness of chemicals in killing microorganisms generally improves with longer contact times, there isn't always a straightforward relationship between contact time and microbicidal activity, possibly due to various factors at play..
SCRIPT #3. 6- Types of surfaces and pre cleaning process.
SCRIPT #3. 6- Types of surfaces and pre cleaning process.
End of Lesson Assessment.
Information Review. Define Disinfectant.. Part 1.
Isopropyl Alcohol. Hydrogen Peroxide. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds.
Part 2.. Enumerate the six main factors that influence the activity of antimicrobial agents. Explain why the pH of the solution is important when using antimicrobial agents. How do the types of surfaces and the pre-cleaning process influence the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents in disinfection?.
References:. Artasensi, A., Mazzotta, S., & Fumagalli, L. (2021). Back to basics: choosing the appropriate surface disinfectant. Antibiotics, 10(6), 613. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10060613 Sopyan, I., Ks, I. S., Nhs, C. I., & M, Y. H. (2020). A review: Disinfectant, antiseptic, and its use for infection. International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11(SPL1), 1507–1516. https://doi.org/10.26452/ijrps.v11ispl1.3708 Andalib, E., et al., (2022). The effectiveness of the Anteroom (Vestibule) area on hospital infection control and health staff safety: A Systematic review. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.828845.