Managerial Epidemiology
Helpm31990
Chapter12.pptxChapter 12: Risk management for Infection Control Programs
Goal of Infection Control
To prevent the transmission of infections to patients, visitors and healthcare personnel
In the United States, infection control programs are required by various agencies:
OSHA
CMS
TJC
State and Local Depts. of Health
Infection Control Program
A formalize infection control program includes
Procedures for determining the risk of transmission of infectious agents
Enforcement or procedures
Protocols to manage the risk
The organization’s leadership is responsible for implementing these programs.
Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs)
HAIs are infections that occur in patients while they are at a healthcare institution to receive care
HAIs are one of the leading causes of death in the US
According to the CDC
20% of HAIs are preventable
1 in 20 hospitalized patient contracts an HAI
Infections in Healthcare Personnel
Generally associated with unprotected exposure to the blood and bodily fluids of infected patients
The OSHA Blood-borne Exposure Standard requires employers of personnel who may come in contact with infected blood/bodily fluids to provide:
Training to prevent exposures
Policies for staff to utilize personal protective equipment
Vaccination against Hepatitis B free of charge
Risk of Infection in Healthcare Settings
Infections are naturally concentrated in healthcare settings
Infection Control Risk Management is a proactive process and includes the following:
Identification of risk of exposure
Assessment of frequency and severity of exposure
Elimination of risks as possible
Minimization of risks which cannot be eliminated
Major infection control risk management procedure: Hand Hygiene
Bloodstream Infection Risk
A vascular catheter is a tube inserted directly into the patient’s vein and are utilized to give the patient medication, blood or nutrition.
A central catheter or line is an intravascular catheter that terminates at or close to the heart or a great vessel
Infections in the central line are called known as Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) and can be lethal
CLABSI Prevention
Proper management of the central line can minimize the risk of CLABSI
Insertion procedure:
Use of sterile barrier technique
Use of proper hand hygiene
Use of chlorhexidine for disinfecting the skin
Avoid the femoral insertion site
Management once inserted:
Monitor insertion site
Use of recommended sterile technique
Scrub the port when entering the catheter to deliver medication
Monitor the patient and remove catheter when no longer needed.
Transmission of HIV
Casual, everyday contact does note expose one to HIV which is transmitted through exposure to blood and certain bodily fluids
Main risk of HIV transmission to healthcare personnel is through accidental injuries from needles or other sharp instruments
Use of universal precautions and personal protective equipment can minimize the risk of transmission of HIV
Pneumonia Infection Risk
Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs which is not common in healthy individuals who are usually able to fight the infection
Sick individuals, however, are more susceptible due to their weakened state and may contract hospital-acquired pneumonia which can be lethal
It is imperative that healthcare personnel recognize the symptoms which can mimic the flu and begin proper treatment as soon as possible
Risk for Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacteria that is spread from person to person through the air
Healthcare personnel should maintain a high level of suspicion when working with a patient with signs and symptoms of TB
Place patient on airborne isolation
Utilize personal protective equipment at all times
Follow-up and evaluate staff that may have been exposed
Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens
Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens (MDROs) are microorganisms that are resistant to one or more classes of antibiotics.
In other words, they are difficult to treat as there are no effective antibiotics available.
MRSA
VRE
ESBLs
C. difficile
Outbreaks in Healthcare Settings
Risk Managers monitor infection data to identify outbreaks (abnormal level of infection)
Common causes of outbreaks include
Noncompliance with infection control protocols
Environmental sanitation
Contaminated equipment or supplies
Inadequate cleaning of equipment
Vaccinations
Implications of Effective Infection Control
Reduced risk of malpractice litigation
Improved safety for patients, visitors and healthcare personnel
Summary
Infection Control is an important function of risk management and is mandated by various federal and state agencies
Effective infection control can reduce the risk of malpractice litigation and improve the safety of patients, visitors and healthcare personnel
