Hiking Up the Standards: New Issues in Infection Control Connie Cavenaugh, BSN, CIC UAMS University Hospital Little Rock

What Are “The Standards”? b THERE’S REALLY ONLY ONE b DO NO HARM

How Can I Harm My Client? b Share my infections with them b Transfer infections from one client to another b Not accept responsibility as their healthcare professional

Transmission of Disease b Host b Agent Environment

Dangerous Communicable Diseases b Blood borne pathogens - HIV, Hepatitis b Tuberculosis b Meningitis b Childhood diseases - measles, chicken pox b Influenza

Not Dangerous, Just Miserable Communicable Diseases b Childhood diseases - for children b Bad colds b Foodborne diseases - salmonella b Little critters - head & body lice b Skin diseases - ringworm

Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure b Standard precautions b Personal protective equipment b Linen disposal b Waste disposal b Proper handling of sharps b Immunizations

Cleaning Begins at “Home” b Clean, orderly work space b Clean before you start if necessary b Access to correct cleaners to use after client contact b Portable spill/cleanup kit

The Most Important 15 Seconds of Your Day b Handwashing, Handwashing, Handwashing b 56% of men & 74% of women do IT after using the restroom b 22% of men & 40% of women do IT after sneezing or coughing b 36% of men and 54% of women do IT after they pet the family dog

Important Things to Remember b You need the BIG 3 - soap, water, friction b It really takes 15 seconds b Alcohol foam can be used as a substitute b Lotion or even soap can be contaminated with bacteria

Each One Teach One b Monkey see, monkey do. You are the head monkey b Get visual - posters, handouts b Professional students think you are the expert

The Major Oops!! b If you are stuck with a needle b If you are splashed with blood or some other body fluid b If you are exposed to a contagious disease b When is it time to panic

Isolation in Hospitals & Long Term Care Facilities b New CDC guidelines b Airborne precautions - TB b Droplet precautions - meningitis, measles b Contact precautions - MRSA, RSV, VRE - what do all of the letters mean?

THANK YOU FOR COMING b Your Infection Control Practitioner appreciates your support