Title : The challenge of post-acute compliance with infection prevention and control
Abstract:
The post-acute nursing world presents many challenges for the prevention of healthcare acquired infections. CMS has minimum requirements of only 20 hours per week dedicated to infection prevention and control no matter the size and capacity of the building. Many of the infection preventionists do not have the proper training and experience and wear many hats. Most function as the Assistant Director of Nursing and Staff Development Coordinator. Depending on the competing priorities in the facility, proper infection prevention often takes a backseat to patient issues, complaints and regulatory survey issues. This leaves the facility at a greater risk for outbreaks and extended length of stay for patients. It is important to use a proactive approach to infection prevention and control and it requires proper surveillance of compliance with evidence-based practices, as well as role specific education in infection prevention and control. To effectively manage infection prevention and control the infection preventionist must have the time to complete the risk assessments, root cause analysis, construction risk assessments and monitoring of compliance. Proper infection prevention does not fall solely on the clinical departments such as nursing. Infection prevention and control is the responsibility of everyone in the healthcare facility. J.A.D. Infection Control Experts has developed a way to proactively address these issues and develop a tailored blueprint for success.
