Hygiene, infection prevention and patient safety in traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) practices Geleneksel ve tamamlayıcı tıp (GETAT) uygulamalarında hijyen, enfeksiyonlardan korunma ve hasta güvenliği
Turk Hijyen ve Deneysel Biyoloji Dergisi, vol.82, no.2, pp.335-360, 2025 (Scopus, TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 82 Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.5505/turkhijyen.2025.24922
- Journal Name: Turk Hijyen ve Deneysel Biyoloji Dergisi
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CAB Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Page Numbers: pp.335-360
- Keywords: antisepsis, antisepsis, asepsis, asepsis, disinfection, disinfection, hygiene, hygiene, sterilisation, sterilisation, T&CM, T&CM, Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Traditional and Complementary Medicine
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Erciyes University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) practices include many medical practices used as complementary to modern medicine as well as in the treatment of various diseases with cultural and historical roots and in the maintenance of health. These practices have been used irregularly by many societies outside of classical medicine for centuries. However, the safety of these practices brings serious responsibilities, especially in terms of hygiene and infection control. With the trend towards T&CM practices, it has become necessary for healthcare personnel to have better knowledge of T&CM methods. For this purpose, it is important to receive training that includes the purpose of the application, its positive or negative effects, methods of use, indications and contraindications. The training content to be given to healthcare personnel who will perform T&CM applications should also include healthcare-related infections, transmission routes, protection measures, patient safety, healthcare personnel health and immunization principles. It should also be noted that the environments where T&CM applications are carried out should be cleaned and disinfected regularly and when necessary. In this review, specific hygiene and infection risks encountered in common T&CM practices such as acupuncture, cupping, leech therapy and mesotherapy are examined. In particular, it is vital to use sterile needles and disposable materials for each patient, especially in practices that disrupt skin integrity, such as acupuncture. Similarly, in leech therapy, where biological materials are used, leeches should be disposable and disposed of properly after treatment. In cupping therapy and mesotherapy, it is essential that the skin contact surfaces are sterile and the instruments used are properly disinfected. This review also emphasises the importance of regular training of T&CM practitioners for infection control and the importance of cleaning and disinfection of the application environments. In terms of patient safety, adherence to strict hygiene protocols and taking concrete steps towards infection control in T&CM applications play a critical role for the effectiveness and safety of these treatment modalities.