International Infection Prevention Week

October 13-19 marks International Infection Prevention Week. This year’s tagline, “Vaccines are Everybody’s Business,” underscores the importance of re-evaluating your systems on Infection Prevention and Control AND the importance of vaccines.

Also, Infection Prevention and Control (F880) continues to be the #1 most frequently cited F-tag across the U.S.

It is estimated that 90 percent of seasonal influenza-related deaths and more than 60 percent of seasonal influenza-related hospitalizations in the United States each year occur in people 65 years and older.[1] Hospitalizations also are often sentinel events in this population group, precipitating disability and potentially resulting in loss of the ability to live independently.

 

Did You Know?

• 1 to 3 million serious infections occur every year in SNFs.
• Infections include urinary tract infection, diarrheal diseases, antibiotic-resistant staph infections and many others.
• Infections are a major cause of hospitalization and death; as many as 380,000 people die of these infections each year.[2]

As clinical leaders, it is vital to keep up-to-date on the latest infection prevention and control resources in order to achieve positive outcomes for those we serve. What follows are a few of my suggested resources as you prepare for the upcoming influenza season:

 

Immunization Guidance Resources:

• “Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Measles in Healthcare Settings.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• “Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices – United States, 2019-20 Influenza Season.” Recommendations and Reports/August 23, 2019/68(3);1-21.

 

Infection Prevention and Control Resources:

• “Tuberculosis Screening, Testing, and Treatment of U.S. Health Care Personnel: Recommendations from the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association and CDC, 2019.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), Weekly/May 17, 2019/68(19);439-443.
• “Implementation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Nursing Homes to Prevent Spread of Novel or Targeted Multidrug-resistant Organisms (MDROs).” CDC, 7/26/19.
• The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology website provides fact sheets that can be used for education. Click here to learn more.

 

Hand Hygiene Resources:

• “Global Handwashing Day.” Click here to access information from CDC.
• “Life is Better with Clean Hands.” Click here to access information from CDC.

 

Other Resources:

• CDC.gov
• Interim Guidance for Influenza Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care Facilities
• Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings
• Healthcare-Associated Infections and Long-Term Care Settings

Leadership Considerations

Having a well-written and effective infection prevention and control plan is key to success. Consider the following:

• Review the new guidance areas for infection prevention and control.
• Determine facility updates to policies, procedures and protocols.
• Meet with your Medical Director to discuss updates.
• Good hand hygiene continues to be instrumental in the spread of infection, especially as we are entering the cold and influenza season. This is a perfect time to re-educate all residents, employees, volunteers and visitors on hand hygiene.
• Educate employees, residents, resident representatives and visitors on the updates to facility system.

 

Pathway Health can assist facilities with education and resources for your Infection Prevention and Control Program to include:

• Customized Education & Online Courses.
• Infection Preventionist Basic Bootcamp for LTC Providers
• Infection Prevention and Control Resource Manual
• RoP Facility Assessment Toolkit
• QuickPATHS
• Clinical Systems and Regulatory Assessment and Review

Sources:
[1] CDC.gov/flu/about/disease/65over.htm
[2] CDC.gov/longtermcare

Need assistance with infection control processes, systems and training?
Pathway Health’s team of experts and trainers are ready to assist.
Contact us today.