Wisconsin Department of Health Services Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) in Long-Term Care Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin 2 Identification of HAIs as both a public health and patient safety issue CMS updated F441 Guidance to Surveyors for Infection Control/Investigative Protocol Directive from Administrator to form statewide Coalition to address HAIs in LTC Project Initiation

Coalition Members Professionals who are leaders in infection prevention and control Strong advocates for reducing HAIs Knowledge of staff development/needs Leaders/members of professional health care organizations Protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin 3

Initiatives to Address the Problem Assessment Two-day conference Surveillance workshops Toolkit development Website: i-intro.htm i-intro.htm Protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin 4

Outcomes Improved surveillance systems in NHs Updated policies and procedures Appropriate monitoring of health status Quicker identification of potential infection outbreaks Protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin 5

Strengths of the Coalition Coalition dedicated to prevention/elimination of HAIs in LTC is unique and innovative Multiple stakeholders involved Expertise of members Members highly engaged and committed to Coalition activities State agency facilitates Coalition, Coalition members drive the work Protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin 6

Strengths of the Coalition, cont. Ability to work through “sticky” issues, maintain respect for professional roles Strong relationship with WI Div. of Public Health has developed LTC providers receiving necessary education and resources Coalition is sustainable – infection prevention will continue to be critical issue! Protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin 7

Suggestions for State Agencies Analyze needs for Coalition and provider education Consult with State Dept. of Public Health Consult with State QIO Identify right people to recruit for Coalition Develop initial objectives and activities Project resource needs Protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin 8

Questions Contact: Vicky Griffin, LTC/Infection Control Nurse Consultant Protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin 9