Improving Infection Control Practices on a Medical – Surgical Unit San Diego VA Healthcare System Rosario Capps, RN, BSN; Kristin Corn, RN, BSN; Ann Kim, RN, BSN; Princess Hopes, RN, BSN; Allison Perkins, MSN, CNS; Bonnie Wayne, RN, BSN

Background  September 2007 – MRSA Initiative Implemented for all VA Healthcare System  January 2008 – MRSA acquisition rate on the medical-surgical unit was 9%  February 2008 – Unit committee formed to investigate and improve infection control practices

Goals & Objectives  Decrease MRSA Acquisition Rate  Increase Staff Knowledge  Increase Staff Compliance  Improve Patient Education  Empower Nurses to Feel Comfortable Enforcing Infection Control Practices

Implementation Plan  Literature Review of Best Practice  Collect & Analyze Baseline Data  Review & Revise Patient Education Materials  Create an Infection Control Bulletin Board  Develop Staff Education Plan

Implementation Plan  Initiate “Caught Being Good” Rewards Program  Initiate “Take 3 at 3” Campaign  Reinforce Infection Control Practices as Needed  Audit Compliance Every 3 Months

Results

Results

Challenges  Staff Buy-In  Shortage of Isolation Supplies  Lack of Private Rooms  Timeliness of Patient Education  Inconsistent Follow-up With Staff  Receptiveness of Ancillary Staff to RN Critique

Future Plans  Continue to Maintain & Improve Infection Control Practices of Nursing Staff on Unit  Expand Project to Other Nursing Areas  Expand Project to Include Other Disciplines  Continue Quarterly Audits  Continue to Focus on Educating Patients

Questions?