As children across the country head back to school, the risk of viruses and infections spreading increases. Teachers, students, and staff all come into close contact with one another on school grounds, making it extremely easy to transmit illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, respiratory...
This is Part 2 of our interview with Rachelle Babin, MBA, BSN, RN, CEC, CMMT, certified executive coach and consultant at Rachelle Babin Leadership, on high-level disinfection (HLD) of medical equipment. Human error, missed cleaning steps, or not following manufacturer’s instructions for use (...
Despite the danger to patients and repeated citations from CMS and other accreditors, many healthcare organizations still struggle to properly perform high-level disinfection (HLD) of medical equipment, says Rachelle Babin, MBA, BSN, RN, CEC, CMMT, certified executive coach and consultant at...
Healthcare facilities aim to provide high-quality care to patients in an environment that is safe for workers. One of the ways facilities can ensure their staff’s safety is through a comprehensive sharps injury prevention program.
Effective July 1, 2024, The Joint Commission (TJC) approved new and revised requirements for the Infection Prevention and Control (IC) chapter for hospitals and critical access hospitals. The chapter underwent a full rewrite, focusing on the structures that support quality and safety. It will...
A while back (I can’t really say how long ago, but certainly before COVID), there was a fair amount of survey focus on environmental considerations for performing bronchoscopy procedures. In general, the expectation was that routine bronchs would be done under negative pressure and if you had to...
Healthcare facilities aim to provide high-quality care to patients in an environment that is safe for workers. One of the ways facilities can ensure their staff’s safety is through a comprehensive sharps injury prevention program.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still fresh in people’s minds, the CDC released updated recommendations for respiratory virus protection on March 1. The guidance recommends vaccinations, hygiene, and good air quality to help prevent respiratory viruses. It also tells readers when a sick person can...
In Part 2 of this interview with Rosie Bartel and Linda McKinley, RN, BSN, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, they talk about the positive changes they have seen in healthcare-acquired infections when you get patients involved in the process.
Review and update hospital policies and procedures now that The Joint Commission (TJC) has overhauled and even pared down its Infection Prevention and Control (IC) chapter—with one notable new requirement.
