At the 19th Annual Ambulatory Surgery Center in Chicago on Oct. 25, Janet Nau Franck, of Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, outlined five steps to jump start a successful ASC infection prevention program.
Ms. Franck began her discussion with an overview of Medicare, infection prevention changes made under CMS' conditions for coverage in 2009, key issues of concern (such as reuse of disposable single use items), the importance of identifying risks for infection and challenges and opportunities for advancing infection control programs.
She then outlined five steps needed to deploy a successful infection prevention program:
1. Assess your existing program. Engage key stakeholders, compare your program to CDC and APIC guidelines and bridge any gaps.
2. Identify potential partners to collaborate.
3. Determine needed services, agreements and timelines.
4. Launch those services.
5. Evaluate effectiveness of the infection prevention program.
Timelines are key to implementing fundamental aspects of an infection prevention program. Ms. Franck listed key goals to meet during the first five weeks of implementation to ensure the above five steps are taken.
Other key considerations include in-house training for all personnel, particularly for the infection preventionist. Ultimately, a collaborative effort in infection prevention will naturally lead to licensure and accreditation, standardized protocols, expanded educational opportunities and enriched partnerships.
Ms. Franck began her discussion with an overview of Medicare, infection prevention changes made under CMS' conditions for coverage in 2009, key issues of concern (such as reuse of disposable single use items), the importance of identifying risks for infection and challenges and opportunities for advancing infection control programs.
She then outlined five steps needed to deploy a successful infection prevention program:
1. Assess your existing program. Engage key stakeholders, compare your program to CDC and APIC guidelines and bridge any gaps.
2. Identify potential partners to collaborate.
3. Determine needed services, agreements and timelines.
4. Launch those services.
5. Evaluate effectiveness of the infection prevention program.
Timelines are key to implementing fundamental aspects of an infection prevention program. Ms. Franck listed key goals to meet during the first five weeks of implementation to ensure the above five steps are taken.
Other key considerations include in-house training for all personnel, particularly for the infection preventionist. Ultimately, a collaborative effort in infection prevention will naturally lead to licensure and accreditation, standardized protocols, expanded educational opportunities and enriched partnerships.
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