HCPro.com: Briefings on Infection Control

From the AIA's new Infection Control Risk Assessment to the JCAHO's emphasis on infection control, your facility's infection control initiatives have never been under more scrutiny. Briefings on Infection Control is a 12-page monthly resource that was created specifically to help you save time complying with the new infection control regulations and combating the spread of infectious diseases in your hospital. Not only will you know about the latest changes and updates, but you'll also receive the step-by-step strategies and tools to comply!

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May 2007 (Volume 5, Issue 5)	view entire issue

Nebraska hospital tackles training for housekeeping staff head-on
A hospital's housekeepers are critical players when it comes to preventing infections, but training these staff members to follow IC protocols can be a considerable challenge. Trainers may find themselves having to swim upstream against ingrained assumptions about cleanliness or language barriers. For example, it may be a difficult task to explain to a new employee why something as seemingly innocuous as carrying food or drink on a cleaning cart can pose an IC problem.

Plan today for Joint Commission queries that could come tomorrow
It's got a new name, new logo, and new Web site. The newly dubbed Joint Commission (formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) also has a renewed emphasis on IC standards in 2007. As hundreds of hospitals have already found out, IC measures can quickly enter the spotlight because of The Joint Commission's unannounced survey process. The accreditor will post the news of an impending visit on a hospital's extranet connection to the commission at about 7 a.m. the day of the survey.

Determine when to avoid using hand antiseptics
They can also be less drying to hands than soap and are effective-easily killing tough, drug-resistant pathogens (e.g., MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus), according to the CDC. But there are three main categories of viruses and bacteria that these sanitizers can't kill-and there are times when they should not be used. Generally, hospital staff members can apply hand gels unless their hands are visibly soiled, in which case they should wash their hands with soap and water, the CDC says.

More states pressure hospitals on infection rates
It's safe to say that everyone from state and federal legislators to ICPs and organizations share a common goal: To reduce the number of hospital-acquired infections. But there is less agreement about how that goal should be achieved. To put it in simple terms, some want to use a carrot-others a stick. A number of states and organizations have taken or proposed measures that they believe will reduce hospital infections, such as mandatory infection-rate reporting. Others are taking these initiatives a step further.

Other recently-published articles from Briefings on Infection Control:

C. diff more prevalent than previously believed

Aggressive action (and aggressive nurses) fight Acinetobacter at Louisiana hospital

IC.01.03.01, assessing risk is a starting point

Take a strong stand against the flu with declination forms

Compendium of strategies full of HAI prevention tips

CMS interpretive guidelines one year later: Is your facility in compliance with all the changes?

Hospital leaders dropping the ball when it comes to IC

Study: Flu vaccine in elderly may be even less effective than originally thought, but don’t stop encouraging shots

IC.01.02.01, needed resources for your IC program

Dress for IC success

The new CMS payment policy might be more bark than bite with regard to SSIs

Contending with floods, hurricanes, and water damage

Joint Commission wants the right person in charge

New regulations affect dialysis facilities

Seven tips to fight the flu with vaccinations

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