IT’S IN YOUR HANDS!! Infection Prevention and Control

OBJECTIVES Describe Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) and how these infections are transmitted. Identify TWO effective methods for Hand Hygiene Describe other important infection control measures used at MUSC.

Infection Prevention and Control Department Cassandra Salgado MD – Hospital Epidemiologist Linda Formby RN, CIC – Manager Mary Allen RN, CIC Wanda Beardsley RN, CIC Pam Fogle RN CIC Bernadette Garry RN, CIC Beth Rhoton RN, CIC Kara Neal, IPC Asst. Anita Knox, IPC Asst. Carolyn Macon, IPC Asst. LaToya Nelson, IPC Asst. Charmaine Wilson, Data Coordinator

What is a Healthcare Associated Infection? A Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) is an infection acquired as a result of or related to care provided in a healthcare setting. Examples: Hospital, Nursing home, Ambulatory surgical care center etc.

How Serious is HAI? HAIs continue to impact many patients. In U.S. over 98,000 people die each year from complications of HAIs. Most all HAI are Preventable. HAI cause increased pain, suffering, length of stay, disability, financial cost and morbidity.

GOAL!!!!!!! Our Goal is to have ZERO Infections. Everyone at MUSC has a role in Infection Prevention. Your role is determined by your duties and whether or not you have patient contact.

What is the Best Way to Prevent Infection Transmission?

How Should I Clean my Hands? Soap and water or Alcohol sanitizer provided by MUSC Is that all?

Hand Hygiene 1.Use Soap and Water OR Alcohol based products. 2. When washing with Soap/Water, scrub hands and wrists for at least 15 seconds. 3. When using Alcohol product apply to all areas of hands and wrists and allow to DRY.

When Should I Clean my Hands? Before Entering and upon Exiting the Patient room. Before and After putting on Gloves Before and After Eating Before and After Smoking Before and After putting Gum in mouth, lipstick Before and After Using Bathroom Before and After preparing Food/Drinks After Sneezing After handling Patient Equipment

C. Difficile Germ that causes terrible Diarrhea Follow Contact Precautions Hand Hygiene with Soap and Water ONLY!!! Clean equipment - wheelchair, carts with Bleach product (Dispatch)

Patients on Isolation Always follow Isolation Precautions Hand Hygiene upon entering, before gloves Wear attire indicated on Door sign Remove attire inside patient room prior to exiting. Hand Hygiene before exiting.

Standard Precautions Always in Effect For ALL patients Use appropriate barrier precautions at all times

Contact Precautions Used for Germs resistant to Antibiotics MRSA, VRE, C. Difficile A Caddy with Gowns and Gloves will be on the door (Univ Hospital) or Beside the door (ART)

Droplet Precautions Germs that are carried and spread in the air. Examples: Strep (Strep throat) Flu Whooping Cough Meningitis

Airborne Precautions Very small Germs that stay suspended in the air. Requires special Airflow room Required special mask Leave items at Nursing Desk Keep door closed TB, Chickenpox, Measles

Other Infection Control Methods 1.Cough into your elbow or sleeve 2.Turn your head away from others 3.Throw tissues in trash 4.Wash your hands!

Stay Home if SICK Please do NOT come to Volunteer if you are sick. Especially if you have fever, rash, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Stay up to date on Vaccines Cover your cough

Our Goal is ZERO Infections! The safety of Patients and Staff depends on All of Us. If you have Questions or Concerns, Contact an Infection Preventionist by calling the MUSC Operator ( ) and ask for the IP on call. An IP is available 24/7 to assist you.