Jan 18 2017
4 Ways to Prevent Infection_After Surgery
Surgery is scary enough on its own. Understanding the dangers of post-surgery complications is that much more worrisome. Part of human nature is to take one’s health seriously, and that’s why the prevention of infection is such a pressing issue. Here are four ways to prevent infection after surgery.
Follow the Doctor’s Orders
Image via Flickr by hang_in_there
As simple as it sounds, following your doctor’s orders is the most critical step toward a healthy recover. Many people are too stubborn to pay attention to such suggestions, and that leads to tragic results. According to Johns Hopkins University research, between one and three out of every 100 patients develop a surgical site infection (SSI). Most of the time, it’s because patients didn’t listen to their surgeon. Because you didn’t go to medical school and your physician did, follow his or her instructions. Doing so could save your life.
Practice Good Hygiene
No matter how clean you are most of the time, you have to err on the side of caution after surgery. The skin that protects your body from harmful bacteria isn’t solid. A surgeon’s blade pierced that area, leaving gaps. Infection will occur if you touch that area in an unsanitary manner. Adding bacteria to a surgical site will cause a setback to your recovery or, in extreme instances, an SSI that could kill you.
In the wake of surgery, wash your hands to the point of obsession. Use hand sanitizer regularly, too. According to the founders of the Safe Care Campaign, hand sanitizer is a great defense against SSI. Also, try not to touch the inside of your mouth, nose, ears, or other orifices. Bacteria exist in these places that can harm your surgical site, leading to the spread of infectious germs.
Reduce Swelling
Swelling is one of the most dangerous post-surgery issues. It can cause blood clots that increase your risk of suffering heart attack, stroke, and other direct outcomes. The prevention of swelling is so important that many hospitals require patients to wear compression socks during the recovery period. Their sole purpose is to control swelling.
Doctors will also recommend prescriptions to reduce swelling. If your physician suggests these, fill your prescription immediately, then take your medication at the recommended times. Also, make sure that you’re using the suggested dosage. These medications are crucial to avoiding SSI.
Rest Often
During the post-surgery recovery phase, you must rest. Even if you’re a go-getter who wants to get back in action as soon as possible, you should resist that temptation. Although bed rest isn’t as popular a recovery suggestion today, the underlying premise is still accurate. When patients try to do more, they are exponentially more likely to cause more health issues, including SSI.
When you need surgery, accept that you’ll have to take things easily afterward. Think of the long-term benefits of this situation. Some bed rest with the blissful comfort of a warming blanket will actually speed up your recovery. You’ll get healthy sooner, even if you find the recovery process frustratingly slow at the time.
In the wake of surgery, you must take care of yourself. Follow these tips to guarantee that you avoid an SSI and get healthy as quickly as possible.
Dec 7 2017
Clinical Pharmacology Programs
Many people are familiar with the retail pharmacist behind the desk at a drug store. He or she fills prescriptions and answers questions about medication bought over-the-counter. There is a slightly different role for those who complete clinical pharmacology programs. They are known as clinical pharmacists who work in a healthcare setting with other medical professionals to coordinate patients’ medications.
What Does a Clinical Pharmacist Do?
A clinical pharmacist not only collaborates with doctors, but they also interact directly with patients and make decisions about which medications are best. Some of their duties may also include:
A clinical pharmacist may perform clinical trials before dispensing certain prescriptions. Some may also develop drug-related policies and determine guidelines for different prescriptions.
They might also evaluate outcomes after dispensing prescriptions in counsel with patients to ensure they understand the benefits and risks of drug therapies.
Educational Path for Becoming a Clinical Pharmacist
Becoming a clinical pharmacist requires a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and work experience in a hospital. Anyone pursuing this career first receives a bachelor’s degree. While some pharmacological schools do not specify the type of degree, most students will complete an undergraduate degree in a science field.
A fundamental knowledge in the sciences such as biology or chemistry is very helpful to enter advanced training programs. Getting a good score on the Pharmacy College Admissions test is another minimum requirement to working in this field.
Pharmacy programs can take an additional four years where students take a deep dive into medicines for which they will prescribe, monitor and study.
Continuing Educational Requirements
Typically, states require practicing pharmacists to participate in continuing education programs. These programs help to ensure pharmacists retain the most up-to-date information about administering medications. Any changes will affect how the pharmacists serve patients.
Becoming a member in a professional organization helps pharmacists stay abreast of changes that effect what is necessary to keep their license.
This particular field of pharmacy gives professionals a chance to care for patients in different healthcare settings. Working with patient service providers, clinical pharmacists meet the needs of patients. They optimize the effectiveness of medication therapy by promoting health, wellness and prevention of disease.
By admin • Health Care • • Tags: care, Clinical Pharmacist, Continuing Educational Requirements, health problems, medication, medicines, Pharmacy College Admissions, prevention, therapy