During a state survey of Cleburne (Texas) Surgical Center this past spring, Suzette Rieger, RN, clinical coordinator of the ASC, says she and the surveyor reviewed the ASC's infection control checklist.
"It was evident that our center had a definite understanding of all the recent changes related to infection control and we had incorporated them into our practice," she says. "I couldn't believe it when the survey was complete they were smiling and so was I."
Developing and using tools like checklists are critical for meeting survey requirements, including those associated with new challenging infection control rules and regulations. But it's equally critical to use the checklists appropriately and effectively.
"I have found that by incorporating the completion of routine checklists into my daily, monthly and even quarterly routine allows me to feel more organized and prepared for any surprise survey," Ms. Rieger says. "Remember, a good checklist is not redundant, encompasses topics that are pertinent to your practice and provides good information for your facility. In this day and age of more, more, more, do not create a checklist just for the sake of having one. Make sure the checklists are functional and provide useful data to validate or if needed improve the quality of care your provide."
This is accomplished in the infection control monthly checklist used by Cleburne Surgical Center, which you can download by clicking here (doc).
The ASC also uses several other tools to help it meet infection control guidelines.
Download a sample version of an infection control quarterly audit form by clicking here (doc).
Download a sample version of an infection control risk assessment form by clicking here (doc).
Download a sample version of an infection report form by clicking here (doc).
Cleburne Surgical Center is partnered with Meridian Surgical Partners, who helped arrange this article. Learn more about Meridian Surgical Partners.
