Time to Revitalize Infection Prevention Awareness in Healthcare

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Time to Revitalize Infection Prevention Awareness in Healthcare

Those who work in a healthcare setting are well aware of Infection Prevention (IP) strategies. Protecting patients and employees should be at the forefront of all IP Programs in order for them to be successful and minimize risk of harm. Although we are all elated to be now several years post-pandemic, those challenging times have more than taken the wind out of the sails of healthcare professional and IP leaders.

October 13-19, 2024, is International Infection Prevention Week. Although it is just around the corner, there is no better time to celebrate all healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to improving the lives of others. It is also the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Infection Prevention Leaders. This dynamic group of professionals are committed to keeping organizations safe and compliant. A little effort goes a long way. Planning even small activities and awareness initiatives are a great way for organizations to celebrate team members for their contribution to daily IP practices.

We understand that organizations may be struggling with operational budgets and rising costs but there are some activities that can be planned and are free.

Infection Prevention & You has a variety of puzzles that can be downloaded and emailed out as a fun awareness activity.
There are also coloring sheets that can be sent out for team members to engage in a lighthearted IP activity. Coloring is a healthy way to reduce stress.
Use an empty patient room to encourage staff to discuss hand hygiene practices and cleaning protocols for surfaces and equipment. This is also a perfect opportunity to include your Environmental Services Team and acknowledge them for all their hard work in keeping everyone safe.

If your budget allows for a little more, here are some great activities that require minimal cost:

Glogerm is a fun way to demonstrate efficacy of hand washing and cleaning. Kits can be purchased at a low cost.
What’s Wrong with This Picture is another great activity. Pictures taken from surveillance rounding can be displayed for employees to try to determine what the IP breach is. Depending on the image, this event can be both challenging and a great opportunity for education.
Using a few PPE supplies, have team members identify what supplies should be used for various types of isolation. It is also a great opportunity to discuss proper donning and doffing techniques.
When doing routine surveillance, handing out small awards to those who engage in good hand hygiene practices goes a long way.
Providing small snacks or treats around any activity is an enticing way to encourage team engagement, so break out the Halloween candy!

IP Week is also a great time for administrators to recognize IP Leaders for their commitment to keeping everyone safe and organizations compliant with IP standards and reporting requirements. A personal thank you note, or card is a nice touch to acknowledge your IP. If your IP is working toward a certification or interested in continuing education opportunities, supporting their professional IP goals is a win-win for all.

From all of us here at HCE Global, we wish everyone a happy and healthy Infection Prevention Week! Keep up the great work!!

Be sure to browse Our Website for a full list of services we provide.

Contact us today at (800) 813-7117 to schedule a free consultation.

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NSHN and OSHA Reporting: Prepared to Meet the Deadline?

February 10, 2025

It is that time of year again. At least for acute care hospitals, long-term acute care (LTAC) hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) who report to The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). If annual surveys are not reported by March 1 st , then your organization will not be permitted to enter monthly reporting plans until the annual survey has been completed. Although there are just a few weeks to go, early planning is the key. It is important to consider that responses to the Annual Survey questions are a collaborative effort. Planning a meeting in advance with key stakeholders will help to ease the stress of completing what some may consider to be a daunting task. Be sure to coordinate with Facilities Managers, Pharmacists, Laboratory, Nursing, Infection Prevention and Quality leaders on annual survey responses. Although individuals who are responsible for report submission may find that some of the data has not changed significantly from the previous year, we have identified that some questions have been removed while additional questions have been added. If you are new to NHSN reporting and have not yet completed an annual survey, you will find an alert reminding you on your dashboard upon logging in. Keep in mind that the survey you are completing requires data from the previous calendar year. You will be submitting data for 2024 due March 1 st , 2025. There are a variety of questions that will require information about metrics, facility type, infection prevention practices, laboratory testing methods, water quality management, and antimicrobial stewardship practices for example. Instructions on completing your organization’s annual survey click on the link below that corresponds with your facility type: Instructions for Completing Annual Hospital Survey Instructions for Completing LTAC Annual Survey Instructions for Completing IRF Annual Survey OSHA requires the following facilities to complete an annual occupational injury and Illness Report: Ambulatory Health Care Servies General Medical and Surgical Hospitals Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals Specialty Hospitals Skilled Nursing Facilities For a complete list of facilities required to report annually via electronic submission and for additional information on Standard 1904 Subpart E Appendix B click on the following link: OSHA Injury and Illness Reporting Requirements . Much like NHSN annual surveys, this reporting is also for the prior calendar year. Your deadline for submission is March 2, 2025. If your organization has not previously been reporting, please note that you will need to set up an Injury Tracking Application (ITA) account. For complete instructions, click on the following link User Guide . Individuals who are responsible for report completion and submission should have a clear understanding of criteria that constitutes a work-related injury. They will also need to know if the employee missed days of work because of injury or illness. If an employee was restricted from usual work activities or reassigned to a new role as a result of the injury or illness this information must be documented. If an employee required care beyond basic first aid, this will also need to be reported. Reporters should not include Protected Health Information (PHI). For a brief tutorial on OSHA annual reporting requirements, click on the following link OSHA Injury and Illness Reporting . Our experts understand the challenges that all healthcare facilities are facing today. Using a customizable approach, we will help you navigate through even the toughest of challenges. Whether you are in need of mock surveys, leadership training, corrective action plans or ongoing support services, we can help! We pride ourselves on helping our clients achieve and maintain a status of excellence in the healthcare industry. Be sure to browse Our Website for a full list of services we provide. Contact us today at +1 (800) 813-7117 to schedule a free consultation. References: https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/forms/instr/57_103-toi.pd https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1904/1904SubpartEAppB https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/ita_user_guide.pdf https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/osha_rktutorial.pdf

A hospital room with a bed and a lot of medical equipment.

National Patient Safety Goals: A Glimpse At 2025

January 13, 2025

In 2002 The Joint Commission (TJC) first established the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) Program. In 2003, TJC rolled out the first set of NPSG’s. Each year, TJC prioritizes patient safety goals for various healthcare programs.

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Radiologic Services: Refresher for Hospitals on CMS Conditions of Participation

December 9, 2024

When it comes to delivering radiologic and diagnostic services under The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Conditions of Participation, hospitals need to have policies, procedures and safe practices in place that are centered around delivery of patient services, safety of patients and personnel, qualifications of personnel and record keeping practices.