In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) solicited feedback regarding expanding its surveillance protocols to include hospital onset bacteremia (HOB). ⁴ A HOB is defined as a first positive blood culture for a noncommensal organism on or after day 3 of hospitalization plus receipt of a new antimicrobial. ⁵   The scope would include “all bloodstream infections that develop in patients following hospital admission.  Although this scope would be wider than Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) surveillance, CLABSI surveillance could be incorporated as a subset of HOB surveillance.” ⁴ The template for this surveillance module has been described in a recent article in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. ⁵ Further actions towards the adoption of such a measure was presumably stalled with the onset of the pandemic, but as we turn the page to a “new normal” it would not be surprising to see this surveillance measure deployed and potentially ultimately serve as an additional measure for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to use “in its public reporting and payment programs.”. ⁴ A recent analysis of over 9.2. million admissions across 267 hospitals demonstrated the feasibility of benchmarking facilities with this metric and future adoption as a new CMS reportable measure of healthcare quality seems likely. ⁵

The rationale for deploying such a metric is readily apparent and arguably logical. This measure seems highly conducive to electronic surveillance, CLABSIs can remain a subset of these infections and the simplification and standardization may theoretically level the playing field between facilities. ^5,6 Counter arguments to this proposed measure may include a disconnect between surveillance and clinically relevant definitions. In a recent report, hypothetical HOB scenarios were posed to infectious disease physicians for assessment of preventability. While 44% of the scenarios were indeterminable, 27% were deemed to be preventable while 29% were assessed as not being preventable. ⁷ It is an imperfect measure in that in an ideal (yet unrealized) world, the majority of HOBs would be preventable and there would be no differentiation between surveillance criteria and clinical diagnosis.

Surveillance for hospital onset bacteremia is expanding beyond the central venous catheter and specific pathogens. We can’t midline our way out of this and it is time to expand our prevention strategies to address all vascular access devices.

All vascular access devices (VAD) bypass the human body’s natural defense of the skin and as such the same risk mitigation strategies for preventing infection (e.g. hand hygiene, skin antisepsis prior to insertion, aseptic non-touch technique, etc) should be deployed. Similarly, needless connectors (NC) of VAD need to be disinfected prior to each access.⁸ While some recent studies have shown that VAD alternatives to central venous catheters may have a lower risk of infection, that risk is not zero and may come at the price of mechanical complications. ^9-12 Although passive disinfection of NC may be a useful adjunct for all VAD, most recommendations favor active, physical scrubbing the hub. ^8,13 A recent study showed scrubbing the hub with swabs was more effective than scrubbing with an alcohol based cap and that a majority of staff preferred the shorter scrub and dry time of Prevantics® Device Swab. ¹⁴

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To compound the difficulty, many of the physical structures are older and contain carpeted hallways and other soft surfaces that are easily contaminated. What can the Infection Preventionist do to help mitigate the infection risks within LTC? Let’s look at a few important points to remember when approaching the environment of care.

Establishing Cleaning and Disinfection Practices

Perhaps the first thing to establish when thinking about a long-term care setting is cleaning and disinfection practices that are thorough, effective, and efficient. Many studies show that environmental services staff (EVS) wipe down only 50% or less of surfaces (1). Visual inspections and rounds are not enough by themselves to ensure quality oversight.

The CDC states that for surfaces to be cleaned appropriately there should be a consistent pattern for the cleaning of rooms and shared equipment, as well as clearly established assignments of who is to clean what (2). Also, following the same pattern, every time makes it easier to ensure consistent cleaning. Quality monitoring can be improved with the use of a checklist or other audit tools. Including the EVS staff in quality oversight and the use of these tools allows them to feel a sense of shared responsibility and gives them feedback which increases engagement and motivation.

The Importance of Cleaning Schedules

With increasing efforts to provide person-centric facilities such as the “Eden Alternative” approach (3), it has never been more important to consider the relevance of cleaning schedules that revolve around the residents’ needs and are appropriate for the ongoing activities. For example, mopping the activities room when bingo is being played or cleaning the dining room during mealtime is not a person-centered approach.

Cleaning of residents’ rooms can be particularly challenging, especially if the resident is resistant to the efforts of the EVS staff due to dementia, paranoia, or other issues such as hoarding.  Striking a balance between the resident’s rights and the importance of environmental cleanliness is key and should be a part of the resident’s care plan through a multidisciplinary team.

How often to clean and what to clean can sometimes be confusing in LTC.  The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) recommends the following  (4):

1. Establish a schedule for ALL surfaces to be cleaned routinely using an EPA-approved hospital-grade disinfectant.
2. Clean spills and hard surfaces as needed in-between the routine cleaning.
3. Vacuum all carpets daily.
4. Clean high-touch surfaces daily and more often during outbreak situations.
5. Use a horizontal wet dusting technique vs dry dusting.
6. Use all disinfectants according to their instructions for use, including the recommended contact times.

While cleaning and disinfection can often be a tedious task, studies show that the environment and survival of pathogens on surfaces contribute to healthcare-associated infections (HAI’s) (5). Some pathogens can survive on surfaces for weeks or even months, still posing a threat of infection. A decline in the available number of trained EVS staff during and throughout the pandemic made it even more challenging for LTC facilities to protect their residents.

To truly mitigate this risk however, institutions cannot rely on just one method or approach to environmental decontamination. Rather, a layered approach must be considered as the new “gold standard” which would include an environmental cleaning program with proven practices to reduce the transmission of organisms, a robust hand hygiene program for both staff, patients, and visitors, the use of appropriate disinfectants, and the inclusion of new novel approaches such as UV technology which show proven reduction in organisms on treated surfaces (7). By utilizing the layered approach as the new standard of care, facilities are helping to decrease the risk of healthcare associated infections (HAI’s) in the LTC setting that come from a contaminated environment.

The post Looking at New Ways to Address Unique Challenges: Environmental Considerations for Long Term Care appeared first on PDI Healthcare.

As we follow the risks of vascular access “from vein to care and maintain,” the skin and its organisms present numerous opportunities to serve as potential sources of infection.  Ensuring optimal disinfection of the patient’s skin prior to inserting any vascular access device is crucial to reduce insertion-related infection risks.  That means starting with clean skin and applying the antiseptic according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

When selecting the most appropriate product, CDC’s Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections (2011) preferentially recommends 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) prior to insertion of central venous catheters and arterial catheters as well as during dressing changes.  At the time of the publication, the CDC left the choice for peripheral IV insertion much broader.

Since that time, the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) released two revisions to its Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice guidelines in 2016 and 2021.  The 2021 INS guidelines recommend the use of an alcohol-based chlorhexidine solution for ALL vascular access devices unless there is a contraindication.  These same recommendations are made when performing skin antisepsis during dressing changes.  CHG is included as a consideration in other standards as well, with consideration given to daily CHG bathing for ICU patients with central lines as well as application of CHG over vascular access dressing and tubing 6 inches from the patient’s body. These treatments are intended to help decrease the bioburden on the patient’s skin and vascular access devices.

A final, crucial step to infection prevention is hub hygiene.  Thorough disinfection of the needleless connector prior to every access is essential to reduce the risk of intraluminal contamination and its contribution to the development of catheter-associated bloodstream infection from any vascular access devices.  This can be achieved through a combination of active as well as passive disinfection; with some promising data regarding incorporating CHG into this step of device care as well.

While there is no “silver bullet” to address and solve the risks of catheter-associated bloodstream infections – being mindful of routes of entry to pathogens and paying close attention to our practices across each step from the moment we approach the bedside can contribute to improving and maintaining favorable outcomes for our patients throughout the continuum of care.

About the Author: Michelle DeVries MPH, CIC, VA-BC, CPHQ, FAPIC: Michelle has been involved in infection prevention and hospital epidemiology for more than 25 years spanning community, university, and federal healthcare facilities as well as post acute settings. She is passionate about raising awareness around vascular access device complications and devotes her time to education on this topic. She was a reviewer for the 2016 and 2021 INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice and is now serving on the committee as an author for the 2024 Standards. She is a Senior Adjunct Research Fellow with AVATAR — the Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research, past director at large with VACC (Vascular Access Certification Corporation), incoming President-Elect of the Association for Vascular Access nationally (2023) and serves as the Senior Infection Control Officer for Methodist Hospitals in Gary, Indiana.

The post It’s All About the Skin! Why Your First Layer of Protection Must Always be Protected. appeared first on PDI Healthcare.

About Stephanie Mayoryk, RN, BSN, CIC: Stephanie is President of Mayoryk Consulting Services LLC. Her previous roles include solid organ transplant nursing at Johns Hopkins, infection preventionist at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center, and leadership positions at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and most recently Corporate Director of Infection Prevention for the LifeBridge Health System in Baltimore, MD. As a consultant, she spent the past two years on contract and on set supporting film and television studios and productions.

The post Ready. Set. Action! IPs Find New Meaning Behind the Scenes appeared first on PDI Healthcare.

Myth: Labor shortage is the only factor causing an egg shortage.

Fact: Avian influenza or bird flu refers to a virus which can cause diseases in both wild and domesticated bird species.  Starting in 2022 a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) virus was detected in U.S. wild aquatic birds, commercial poultry and backyard or hobbyist flocks. These are the first detections of HPAI A(H5) viruses in the U.S. since 2016 (1).  Unfortunately, they are affecting millions of birds.  All 50 states have had wild birds come back positive for the disease, and so far 47 states have detected the variant and over 57 million domestic poultry affected.

Myth: Avian Influenza can easily jump to humans, causing another global pandemic.

Fact:  The short answer is yes it can jump to humans, however the CDC makes it clear that this is highly unlikely.  Although there have been over 57 million domestic birds affected, there has been only one case of human transmission detected (in the United States) so far (1).

To that end, bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred.  The CDC has stated that highly pathogenic avian influenza has caused family case clusters in the past, mostly in Southeast Asia, that could be due to human-to-human transmission (2). Should this virus, or another zoonotic influenza virus, gain the ability of sustained human-to-human transmission, an influenza pandemic could result.  Influenza strains that are highly pathogenic could be more deadly than the COVID-19 pandemic.  The 1918 influenza pandemic was the most severe pandemic in recent history. It was caused by an H1N1 virus with genes of avian origin. Although there is not universal consensus regarding where the virus originated, it spread worldwide during 1918-1919.  In the United States, it was first identified in military personnel in spring 1918 (3). It is estimated that about 500 million people or one-third of the world’s population became infected with this virus. The number of deaths was estimated to be at least 50 million worldwide with about 675,000 occurring in the United States.

Myth: There is not much you can do to protect yourself and your family from potentially being exposed to this virus.

Fact: The CDC has some tips (4):

• The best prevention is to avoid sources of exposure. For persons working with poultry wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves, and practice good hand hygiene.  Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field when possible and practice good hygiene to prevent any potential disease spread.
• If you see large amounts of dead or sickly birds in your area do not touch them or pick them up.  You can report it to the CDC by calling 1-866-536-7593.
• Is it safe to eat eggs and chicken? The CDC is stating it is still safe to consume eggs and chicken as long as they are properly prepared. Properly handling and cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including bird flu viruses. People should handle raw poultry hygienically and cook all poultry and poultry products (including eggs) all the way before eating.
• If you are a backyard hobbyist with chickens that are sick, and you become sick with symptoms of the flu such as • Fever (Temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) • Feeling feverish/Chills*• Cough• Sore throat • Difficulty breathing/Shortness of breath • Eye tearing, redness or irritation • Headaches • Runny or stuffy nose• Muscle or body aches • Diarrhea, contact your doctor and you could be prescribed antivirals to help treat the condition.
• Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucous, or feces from wild or domestic birds. Human infections with bird flu viruses can happen when enough virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. This can happen when virus is in the air (in droplets or possibly dust) and a person breathes it in, or when a person touches something that has virus on it and then touches their mouth, eyes or nose (4).

As always, good hand hygiene practices and paying special attention to a clean and hygienic environment are key ways to prevent any kind of Influenza.  PDI is committed to infection prevention, and has a line of hand hygiene products available) as well as a wide selection of EPA approved disinfection wipes with kill claims for Influenza as well as emerging pathogens of concern.  Don’t you think this is “eggselent” news?

The post News you can use: Avian Influenza appeared first on PDI Healthcare.

In this interview, Dr. Weber and Benjamin Galvan provide valuable perspectives on preemptive approaches healthcare facilities, medical professionals and consumers can take to prevent and prepare.

Dr. David Jay Weber: Dr. Weber is board certified in Internal Medicine, Infectious Disease, Critical Care Medicine, and Preventive Medicine.  He has been on the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill since 1985 where he is currently the Charles Addison and Elizabeth Ann Sanders Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Epidemiology in the UNC School of Medicine, and UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.

He serves as an Associate Chief Medical Officer for UNC Medical Center. He also serves as Medical Director of the Department of Infection Prevention UNC Medical Center. He is the Medical Director of the North Carolina Statewide Infection Control Program (SPICE), a Chair of UNC Biomedical IRB, and serves as the UNC Principle Investigator on the CDC sponsored Duke-UNC Epicenter. Dr. Weber is an Associate Editor of Infection Control Hospital Epidemiology and the Secretary of the SHEA Board. He is the Chair of the NC Health Department’s Tuberculosis Advisory Committee.

Benjamin D. Galvan, MLS (ASCP), CIC, CPH: Benjamin is a board-certified infection preventionist with over 7 years of experience in the acute-care, academic healthcare setting. Recently accepting the Director of Infection Prevention role for HCA Florida South Tampa and West Tampa Hospitals, part of the HCA West Florida Division, Benjamin has demonstrated a passion for infection prevention and patient safety by leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration and performance improvement methodologies to improve health outcomes. In June 2021, Benjamin was awarded the inaugural Emerging Leader in Infection Prevention award by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). In 2015, Benjamin attained his bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and is presently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health at the University of South Florida.

The post PDI Perspective Podcast: Tridemic: Risk to Healthcare Systems as Flu. RSV, and COVID Cases Rise appeared first on PDI Healthcare.

Sani-Cloth® Bleach Germicidal Wipes

• The #1 brand of disinfectant wipes in health care
• Provides coverage for 1,000 square feet
• Requires 72% less wipes than Clorox Healthcare Bleach Germicidal wipes¹
• Effective against 50 microorganisms including diff, Candida albicans, SARS-CoV-2, VRE, MRSA and many more
• Meets CDC, OSHA and CMS Tag F880 guidelines
• Bactericidal, Fungicidal, Tuberculocidal, Virucidal

However, human error is inevitable in the disinfection process. In fact, studies have shown that approximately 50% of surfaces are missed during manual disinfection leading to the need for additional layers of disinfection to ensure completely clean surfaces. By adding UVC technology to standard disinfection practices, variables related to human error in the cleaning process are reduced.

That’s where the Tru-D UVC disinfection robot steps in. The Tru-D robot is the only UVC device of its kind with patented Sensor360® technology which compensates for room variables such as size, shape and contents by measuring the amount, or dose, of UVC needed to ensure thorough room disinfection. The robot operates from a single position without the need for frequent involvement or movement to multiple placements from staff.

Together, Sani-Cloth® Bleach Germicidal Wipes and the Tru-D UVC disinfection robot provide and enhanced, layered approach to cleaning and disinfection.

Tru-D® UVC Disinfection Robot

• Validated by a number of independent, peer-reviewed studies to eliminate organisms in direct and indirect, shadowed areas
• In activates SARS-CoV-2, diff, MRSA, VRE and other bacteria and viruses
• Single placement positioning allows staff to perform other tasks during the disinfection process
• Tru-Dportal provides visual data, showing hospital staff that a room has been properly disinfected

The post Sani-Cloth® Bleach Germicidal Wipes + Tru-D Provide an Enhanced Layered Approach to Disinfection appeared first on PDI Healthcare.

One convenient way to capture performance and validate practice is the use of dashboards. Dashboards are not new to healthcare. This organized method for sharing metrics allows facilities to measure the impacts of performance improvement projects within their own facility, between facilities, and to compare to national performance measures. Dashboards also provide the metrics to celebrate trends over time and can often be found posted in unit break rooms as reminders to staff of a job well done. A benefit of the Tru-D device is the availability of a dashboard report showing compliance with device usage. The Tru-D portal provides real-time data including operator, cycle time, etc. which can be conveyed to staff that their efforts are not only working but are important to the cleaning and disinfection process. Celebrating the wins affirms to the frontline staff that they have impacted the healthcare environment and the service they provide in a positive way, while also showing the value they bring to the organization in the form of the care they provide.

Healthcare personnel work in a dynamic environment with constant competing priorities, staffing issues and overall fatigue, which can be detrimental to performance improvement. As we navigate healthcare during an ongoing pandemic, it remains imperative that processes are in place to ensure that there are no barriers impacting compliance. Human factors engineering, a high reliability organizational framework and internal accountability helps drive positive outcomes.

Cleaning and disinfection together with UVC technology form a layered approach. When paired together, it removes the guesswork from effective environmental cleaning and disinfection practice. While the importance of the EVS and IP partnership is paramount to a successful program, the focus on processes is reinforced with product compliance tools, performance monitoring and robust staff education. When manual disinfection is supplemented with UVC technology, this added layer bolsters disinfection outcomes. When teams can quantify compliance via dashboard reports, successes can be measured and wins celebrated. Now, more than ever, celebrating the challenging work of our frontline staff is critical for the success of a health care facility.

To learn more, click here.

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The fact is, LTC facilities will be benchmarked for infections, but not in the same way acute care is.  On August 3, 2022 the 2023 SNF Prospective Payment System final rule was published³. It has a lot packed into it, but there are a few important highlights specific to infection control:

1. CMS finalized the addition of the reporting of Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Healthcare Personnel. This measure will be reported through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system during Flu-season, which CMS has identified as running from October 1 – March 31 of each year. Data collection for the FY 2024 program year begins October 1, 2022.
2. CMS also proposed an HAI reporting measure to start in 2026, with baseline data being measured as early as 2022. The HAI measure is an outcome measure that estimates the risk-standardized rate of HAIs that are acquired during SNF care and result in hospitalization using 1 year of Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) claims data. The SNF HAI measure assesses SNF performance on infection prevention and management as compared to their peers. This is not an NHSN measure, but rather captured through the Fee for service (FFS) claims program. The goal of this measure is to identify SNFs that have notably higher rates of HAIs acquired during SNF care, when compared to their peers and to the national average HAI rate.

The long-term care environment is complex and poses unique challenges for infection prevention.  With new HAI reporting requirements in place, there will be public data on how LTC facilities measure up when looking at infection prevention tasks and efforts.

Establishing Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection Practices

Long-term-care is not only a healthcare setting, but also the place that residents call their home.  This can pose distinctive questions as to how infection control efforts, such as cleaning, disinfection, and decolonization, should be implemented to prevent the spread of disease. The residents are particularly susceptible to infections due to age-related comorbidities predisposing them to infection, as well as a decline in overall immune defenses.  To compound the difficulty, many of the buildings themselves have carpeted hallways and other soft surfaces that are easily contaminated.

What can an Infection Preventionist do to help mitigate risks and prepare for the expansion of infection control efforts in the face of new reporting requirements?

Perhaps the first thing to establish is cleaning and disinfection practices that are thorough, effective, and efficient. There are many studies showing that environmental services staff (EVS) wipe down only 50% or less of surfaces⁴.  Visual inspections and rounds are not enough to ensure quality oversight.  The CDC states that for surfaces to be cleaned appropriately there should be a consistent pattern for cleaning rooms and shared equipment, as well as clearly established assignments of who is to clean what⁵.   Quality monitoring can be improved with the use of a checklist or other audit tools.

With the increasing efforts to have long-term care facilities be person-centered, it is crucial to consider the relevance of cleaning schedules that revolve around the residents’ needs and activities.  For example, mopping the activities room when bingo is going or the dining room during meals is not a person-centered approach.

Another important point is that the cleaning of residents’ rooms can be particularly challenging, especially if the resident is in some way resistant to the efforts of the EVS staff due to dementia, paranoia, or other issues such as hoarding.  Striking a balance between the resident’s rights and the importance of environmental cleanliness is key and should be a part of the resident’s care plan through a multidisciplinary team.

How often to clean and what to clean can sometimes not be clear in a long-term care facility.  APIC recommends the following⁷:

1. Establish a schedule for ALL surfaces to be cleaned routinely using an EPA-approved hospital-grade disinfectant.
2. Clean spills and hard surfaces as needed in between the routine cleaning.
3. Vacuum all carpets daily.
4. Clean high-touch surfaces daily and more often during outbreak situations.
5. Use a horizontal wet dusting technique vs dry dusting.
6. Use all disinfectants according to their instructions for use, including the recommended contact times.

Studies show that the environment and survival of pathogens on surfaces contribute to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).  The survival of pathogens on surfaces can sometimes be months or even years, still posing a threat to infection.  A decline in the available number of trained EVS staff during the pandemic has made it even more challenging for LTC facilities to protect their residents.

A New Technology: Continuously Active Disinfection

Sani-24^®  Germicidal Disposable Wipes give you power with around-the-clock protection. It is the first and only EPA-registered disinfectant with the ability to control HAI-causing microorganisms with continuously active disinfection (CAD).

Consistent disinfection is critical, but the problem is that the surfaces quickly become re-contaminated, especially in high-touch areas.  The technology lies in the patented polymer which, when applied to the surface, actually “binds” to the surface and is not wiped off or removed.  The disinfectant is also bonded to the surface and provides continuous disinfection despite lots of touches or recontamination.

The power behind CAD is a multi-layer protective “shield” on the surface. It can be used not only as a disinfectant providing 24-hour protection against ESKAPE pathogens, but also as a regular disinfectant, a soft surface sanitizer, and 7-day mildew and fungal preventative and is compatible with most surfaces making it truly a versatile product for many situations ⁹.

Can you imagine how useful this would be in such settings as long-term care?  This disinfectant is ideal for:

• Waiting Areas
• Nurses Stations
• Elevator and its buttons
• Light switches
• Railings
• Doorknobs
• soft surface sanitization
• Shared equipment
• Salon areas
• Rehab areas

With increased focus and resources now available for these efforts, LTC facilities should consider including such revolutionary technologies in any plans for daily and ongoing disinfection efforts.

The post Reporting Requirements After the Pandemic appeared first on PDI Healthcare.

Staffing shortages do not readily lend themselves to turn-key solutions. While agency staffing and contractors can help fill the gaps, few would argue that these are long-term or financially sustainable solutions. Year to date, labor expense per adjusted discharge, in acute care is up 13.6% over the prior year⁴. In times of crisis, when the resources are simply not available, long-term gains may be made by re-examining and potentially re-designing the work system: work smarter, not harder.

Streamlining Practice and Saving Time

In the environmental surface disinfection space, there are product and training solutions that can help ease the burden. Ready-to-use surface disinfection wipes eliminate the need for environmental service professionals to gather multiple materials, dilute a concentration and having quality control confirm the appropriateness of the dilution. These same single-use wipes eliminate rental charges or reprocessing costs for microfiber cloths.

Standardizing to a single non-bleach sporicidal with claims for Clostridiodes difficile, such as PDI Sani-HyPerCide® disinfectants, eliminates the complexity of deploying multiple disinfectant solutions in the same physical space without compromising surface compatibility. Color-coded canisters of disinfectant wipes with prominently displayed wet/kill/contact times reduce the potential for confusion and decision-making. Quick, effective online instructions for use (IFU) videos afford remote learning/training as new employees are hired.

Burdensome workloads lend themselves to four main categories of outcomes- none of which you want to experience on either side (employee or patient) of the healthcare industry: less time, less attention to details, more stress, and more shortcuts⁵. t Here is where product innovation can ease some of the burdens. Continuously active disinfection as found in products such as PDI’s Sani-24® disinfectant wipes can offer residual efficacy to surfaces, killing clinically relevant ESKAPE pathogens between applications for up to 24 hours.⁶

Traditional healthcare-grade disinfectants cannot be re-applied as often as one would aspire to without limitless time and resources. Supplemental disinfection strategies, in particular PDI’s Tru-D® UVC disinfection can supplement traditional surface disinfection.  The single placement positioning leaves operators free to complete other tasks during the disinfection process, thus maximizing productivity and minimizing room turnover time as well as labor costs.

For the clinician end user of PDI’s interventional care line, Profend® Nasal Decolonization Kit has the shortest application time of similar products in the U.S. market at 60 seconds per patient pre-operatively. Compared with the traditional 5-day, twice-daily application of mupirocin, antiseptic decolonization is clinician applied, verified, and is not  antibiotic  restistant.

Without the concern for increasing resistance, some organizations have opted to pursue a universal decolonization approach thereby potentially negating the need for (and time/expense incurred) Staphylococcus screening procedures. A simplified and standardized work system can conserve both time and expense all while increasing compliance and reducing patient risk.

Help Us. Help You.

The workforce shortages and challenges wrought will not dissipate anytime soon. While we are limited in our ability to manage these circumstances, how we adjust or respond to them is within our control. An exploration of current practice within our work systems, identifying opportunities, and implicating sustainable improvements to simplify, standardize and optimize our resources can maximize success in mitigating the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

The post You’re Smart-Choose Smarter; Work Hard-Not Harder appeared first on PDI Healthcare.