July: Focus on Infection Control in Long Term Care
As part of the CtoC initiative, each month THCA provides relevant news and best practices on a specific quality topic related to long term care.
This July, THCA will focus on infection control in long term care.
Focus on Infection Control in Long Term Care
Learn more about how preventing and controlling infection in long term care facilities is a crucial part of quality care and an upcoming educational opportunity available to Texas nursing facilities.
Antibiotic Use in Nursing Homes
Antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s most pressing public health threats and antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed medications in long term care. It is important to separate colonization of bacteria from a true infection and deliver antibiotics only when needed.
Prevent and Manage Infections Safely: C. difficile Fact Sheet
This fact sheet is a great resources to use for in-service of staff. It provides information about the importance of C. difficile infection prevention as a key part of quality care. Knowing ways to avoid this infection will also help stop the spread of many other germs that cause infections in nursing homes.
Assessment of Current CDI (C. difficile) Prevention Activities: Antibiotic Stewardship
This is an assessment of current CDI prevention activities on antibiotic stewardship. View the assessment of current CDI prevention activities and learn how antibiotic stewardship can be effective in preventing and reducing CDI.
DADS Education Events for Infection Control in Long-term Care 2015
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services and the Texas Department of State Health Services are hosting a series of joint training conferences around the state to increase awareness of infection control and regulatory requirements. The events are free and participants can earn continuing education credits.
Healthcare Safety Conference: Safeguarding Texans
Texas DSHS will be holding the first Healthcare Safety Conference on August 20-21, 2015 at the Hilton Houston NASA Clearlake Hotel. Patient safety, risk management, quality improvement and infection control professionals, nurses, physicians and others interested in improving patient safety are welcome to attend.
Individuals with CDI serve as a source for bacterial spread to others, through the contamination of caregiver hands and shared equipment. Prevention of this infection needs to be a high priority in long term care. Learn more about the prevention of CDI, early identification, containment of CDI and the current activities being performed.
Taking the appropriate steps to clean and disinfect equipment and the surrounding environment is key to the prevention of CDI. C. difficile spores can survive for a long time on objects and surfaces and play a key role in the spread of infections.earn more about the proper strategy for prevention and disinfection of equipment and the environment in long term care facilities.
Assessment of Current CDI (C. difficile) Prevention Activities: Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is the most important way to prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause infections. Although most bacteria and viruses are effectively killed by alcohol-based hand rubs or washing with soap and water, C. difficile spores are not killed by alcohol hand rubs or removed by hand washing. Knowing the proper way to maintain hand hygiene will help prevent CDI infections.
WHO and The World Alliance for Patient Safety have created a pocket-leaflet to demonstrate proper hand washing and maintaining proper hand hygiene. Clean hands are safer hands. Are yours clean? Learn when and how to properly clean your hands by following this easy chart. You are also welcome to print out and post this chart in your facility.