Abstract
Healthcare textiles have seen a considerable transition throughout time, becoming an increasingly important part of the healthcare ecosystem. A thorough introduction to healthcare textiles is provided in this chapter, along with an analysis of their use in patient care, infection control, and the larger healthcare sector. It explores the numerous kinds of healthcare textiles, how crucial they are to maintaining hygiene, and the difficulties in using them. It also looks at cutting-edge advancements that have the potential to change the way healthcare textiles are used in the future, such as smart textiles and sustainable practices. Healthcare textiles are positioned to become increasingly important to patient safety and environmental sustainability as the healthcare industry develops. This chapter is significant as it provides an in-depth exploration of the evolving role of healthcare textiles in patient safety and sustainability, highlighting cutting-edge developments and future trends in the industry.
TopIntroduction
Textile products, the unsung heroes that form the basis of patient care and hygiene, are sometimes disregarded by the healthcare industry due to their intricate procedures and cutting-edge medical technology. These seemingly commonplace materials serve a crucial role in hospital settings, as they considerably improve patient care, infection control, and overall operational efficiency. The main point of this chapter is to look at the many complicated roles that textiles play in healthcare settings (Babu et al., 2023). At first look, a healthcare facility might seem to be dominated by cutting-edge medical technology and active personnel, but textile items serve an important foundational role in the industry. The numerous and necessary textile goods used in healthcare settings are thoroughly explored in this chapter. These textiles, which are frequently unappreciated, play a vital role in several aspects of healthcare, including patient care, hygiene, and general operations (Burns, 1992).
Healthcare textiles come in a variety of shapes and functions and are both modest and necessary. The softness of a hospital bedsheet, the warmth of a blanket, the comfort of a hospital gown, and the sterile environment created by curtains and drapes are just a few examples of how textiles are woven into a patient's care journey from the time they enter a healthcare facility (Leydecker, 2017). It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of textiles in providing hygienic conditions, comfort, and functionality. Beyond aesthetics, textiles have a significant role in healthcare settings. They are intricately linked to patient care, from preserving comfort and dignity to adhering to strict hygienic guidelines. To be fair, the comfort of patients is given careful consideration in the design of healthcare textiles (McGaghie et al., 2010). Patients can feel safe and secure in an environment because of the comforting texture and breathability of their bedding and blankets. Enhancing the psychological and emotional well-being of people with health issues is not just a luxury; it is a crucial component of care. Textiles are essential for upholding strict standards of hygiene and infection control in the context of patient care. In hospital settings, infection control and cross-contamination avoidance are of utmost importance. In this situation, textiles are essential in establishing a line of defense against the spread of infections (Davies, 2018). In hospital settings, it is crucial to consider the choice and upkeep of textiles because they play a key role in the effort to stop the spread of disease. The textile industry has made great progress toward revolutionizing infection control in healthcare facilities with the introduction of cutting-edge antimicrobial textiles and barrier materials (Morris & Murray, 2021). The antibacterial application of textiles is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Source: (Mills, 2021) Key Terms in this Chapter
Wound Care Textiles: This includes a range of textile products like bandages, dressings, and compression garments used in the management and treatment of wounds. They are designed to promote healing, provide comfort, and prevent infection.
Infection Control: This is a healthcare discipline focused on preventing nosocomial or healthcare-associated infection, a major issue in healthcare facilities. It involves various strategies, including the use of protective textiles, to reduce the spread of infections.
Patient Comfort: In the context of healthcare textiles, this term refers to the aspect of patient care that focuses on making patients feel comfortable using soft, breathable, and gentle fabrics in hospital garments, bedding, and other textile products.
Smart Textiles: These are fabrics integrated with technology that can sense and respond to environmental conditions or stimuli from the body. In healthcare, smart textiles are used for monitoring patient health, aiding in diagnostics, and improving the delivery of healthcare services.
Healthcare Textiles: This term refers to textile products specifically designed for use in medical environments. These include items like hospital gowns, bed linens, surgical drapes, and other textiles that play a critical role in patient care, infection control, and overall hospital hygiene.
Sustainability in Healthcare Textiles: This refers to the use of eco-friendly materials and practices in the production and disposal of healthcare textiles, aiming to reduce environmental impact and promote a more sustainable healthcare system.
Antimicrobial Textiles: These are fabrics treated with or constructed from materials designed to inhibit the growth and spread of microorganisms. In healthcare, they are crucial for reducing the risk of infection and cross-contamination, especially in hospital settings.