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Tip of the week: Verify that your staff know the rules

Infection Control Monitor, March 9, 2007

When two infants in a neonatal intensive care unit at White Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles died, the suspected cause was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The babies potentially contracted the infections after respiratory staff allegedly bypassed hospital procedures and improperly cleaned laryngoscope blades.

To avoid situations such as this one, other hospitals should ensure that staff follow infection control (IC) protocols, says Robert Sharbaugh, PhD, CIC, an IC consultant from Charleston, SC. One means of doing this is making sure that there is enough equipment on hand to handle medical emergencies so that staff aren't tempted to bypass IC procedures because they are short a needed device, says Sharbaugh.

Infection control professionals must also take the lead to ensure that staff receive proper training on these procedures. Offering IC education during orientation is one way to accomplish this goal, he adds. To learn more, go to www.hcpro.com/content/67645.cfm. The cost is $10. Briefings on Infection Control subscribers received this story with their subscriptions.

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