This October, the Quality Topic of the Month focuses on Antibiotic Stewardship; Get Ahead of the Curve with the Basics

 

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RESOURCES:

Infection Prevention and Control Program Guidelines

 

In these SHEA/APID Guidelines clinicians will find the following:

  • List of nosocomial infections common in LTC facilities with prevalence rates
  • Recommended structure of the LTC facility Infection Control Program
  • List of Infection Control Program elements and examples
  • Educational opportunities and resources for Infection Control Professional
  • Surveillance standards and guidance
  • Isolation and precautions
  • Hand hygiene
  • Resident and employee health
  • Antibiotic Stewardship
  • Policies and procedures
  • Disease reporting
  • Performance improvement/resident safety
  • Potential job duties of an Infection Control Professional

 

CMS is in the process of carrying out Infection Control Pilot Surveys where they are testing a 15 page survey tool that they will be adjusting with feedback from the Pilot Surveys in order to come up with a tool that they will use going forward. 

In an effort to assist facilities to prepare for these surveys the following is a document provided by the CDC titled, “Infection Control Assessment Tool for Long-term Care Facilities”.  

This tool will provide a Gap Assessment for the following areas:

  • Infection Control Program and Infrastructure
  • Health Personnel and Resident Safety
  • Surveillance and Disease Reporting
  • Hand Hygiene
  • Personal Protective Equipment  (PPE)
  • Respiratory/Cough Etiquette
  • Antibiotic Stewardship
  • Injection safety and Point of Care Testing
  • Environmental Cleaning