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Eight ways to get more IC for your money

Briefings on Infection Control, April 1, 2009

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1. Partner up with quality improvement. Terry Burger, BSN, RN, CIC, CNA, BC, director of IC at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA, says her department used to come under the nursing department, but it did a survey and found out most hospitals were switching IC under the umbrella of quality improvement. This makes sense because although IC staff members often provide patient education, they are not administering care, Burger says. “I think we’re aligned with a department that is exclusively focused on process improvement,” she says. “That’s what we are. That’s what we do.” Aligning with quality improvement will open up more resources and allow for more productive collaboration with other staff members in that department.

2. Remind staff members with posters and e-mails. Doctors and nurses are often at points in their career where IC procedures become second nature to them. They walk in the room and wash their hands without thinking twice. But sometimes that backfires when staff members develop bad habits such as removing gloves or neglecting hand hygiene. Place posters or signs above the sink, in patient rooms, or high-traffic areas as constant reminders to staff members about prevention measures. Also, don’t neglect technology. Group e-mails with IC tips that are fast and easy to digest can serve as a daily or weekly reminder.

3. Recruit someone on the inside. Many IC programs around the country make use of IC liaisons or appoint staff members to champion IC efforts. Often, a nurse or a doctor who is on the floor and has developed relationships with other medical staff members can influence them.

This is an excerpt from a member only article. To read the article in its entirety, please login.

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