2 Administrative arrangement Flashcards
What are costs associated with HCAI?
increased length of stay
cost for isolation/ environmental cleaning
laboratory csots for diagnostics
expensive anti-microbials
cross-infection to other patients/ staff can perpetuate infection
adverse publicity and loss of confidence of patients in the service
Why is the hospital chief executive involved in IP&C?
provision of an effective infection prevention and control (IPC) programme is essential for all health care facilities and should be part of the patient safety and quality improvement programme of the organization. Since the hospital’s chief executive/administrator are managerially responsible for provision of such a service, it is essential
that they provide adequate resources, support, and managerial back-up to the IPC team so that agreed infection prevention programmes are implemented effectively .
What are examples of policies that need to be in place for basic IP&C?
◆ Isolation of patients.
◆ Hand hygiene and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
◆ Cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization of items and equipment.
◆ Environmental cleaning and decontamination.
◆ Management of spills or accidents with infectious substances.
◆ Safe handling and transport of pathology specimens.
◆ Handling and cleaning/disinfection of contaminated linen.
◆ Handling and safe disposal of clinical and related waste.
◆ Handling and safe disposal of sharps.
◆ Management of sharps injuries and other exposure of HCWs to infectious diseases.
◆ Policies and procedures for insertion and maintenance of all indwelling devices,
e.g. intravenous and urinary catheters.
must be updated on a regular basis
Microbiologist offer takes lead as Director of IP&C
What is their role and responsibilities?
◆ Serves as a specialist advisor and takes a leading role in the effective functioning of
the IPC team.
◆ Should be an active member of the hospital IPC committee and may act as its
chairperson.
◆ Assists the hospital IPC committee in drawing up annual plans, policies, and longterm programmes for the prevention of HCAIs.
◆ Advises the chief executive/hospital administrator directly on all aspects of HCAIs
and on the implementation of agreed policies.
◆ Participates in the preparation of tender documents for the support services and
advises on IPC aspects.
◆ Is involved in setting of quality standards, surveillance, and monitoring of HCAIs.
What are the overall responsibilities of the IP&C team?
◆ Production of an annual IPC programme with clearly defined objectives.
◆ Production of written policies and procedures on IPC, including regular evaluation
and update.
◆ Education of all grades of staff in IPC policy, practice, and procedures relevant to
their own area of practice.
◆ Surveillance of infection to detect outbreaks at the earliest opportunity and provide
data that should be evaluated to allow for any change in practice or allocation of
resources to prevent HCAIs.
◆ Provide advice to all grades of staff on all matters in relation to IPC on a day-to-day
basis.
◆ Participate in the audit activity.
The IPC committee is charged with the responsibility for the planning, evaluation of
evidence-based practice and implementation, prioritization, and resource allocation
of all matters relating to IPC
Which members form part of the committee?
As a minimum, the committee should include:
◆ IPC doctor or hospital epidemiologist who may act as a chairperson.
◆ IPC nurse/practitioner(s).
◆ Medical microbiologist.
◆ Infectious disease physician (if available).
◆ Chief executive or hospital administrator or his or her nominated representative.
◆ Director of nursing or his/her representative.
◆ Occupational health physician or a representative.
◆ Representative from the major clinical specialties — medical, surgical, obstetrics
and gynaecology, paediatrics, etc.
◆ Representative from the community health sector, e.g. consultant in communicable
disease control for UK.
