Part One: Assessing Your Infection Prevention Program, Two-Part Series (ODPT1W5025)-IP Bootcamp Series Part 1 Presentation 2

IP Bootcamp Series Part 1 Presentation 2

Pdf Summary

This document, presented by Linda R. Greene, RN, MPS, CIC, FAPIC, focuses on best practice strategies to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly device-related infections such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Key objectives include examining methods to decrease these infections, reviewing recent literature and guidelines, and discussing rounding strategies for infection prevention.<br /><br />Surveillance is emphasized as crucial, with priority given to high-risk populations like ICU patients and surgical cases. Two types of surveillance are highlighted: process surveillance, which monitors patient care practices, and outcome surveillance, which tracks actual infection events. Standardized definitions and criteria (e.g., NHSN standards) are required for accurate data collection, trend monitoring, and benchmarking. Appropriate denominator data selection—such as device days or patient days—is important for valid comparisons.<br /><br />Process indicators, common in regulatory settings and useful in long-term care, have benefits and challenges, including observation reliability. Updated guidelines and compendiums from organizations like APIC, CDC, and SHEA inform current best practices.<br /><br />For CLABSI prevention, best practices include using subclavian vein insertion sites, employing chlorhexidine/alcohol preparations, using chlorhexidine dressings, and maintaining sterile techniques with standardized insertion kits and checklists. Chlorhexidine bathing and avoidance of femoral lines are also recommended.<br /><br />CAUTI prevention focuses on minimizing unnecessary catheter use, maintaining a closed drainage system, securing catheters properly, and ensuring unobstructed urine flow. Daily risk of infection increases with catheter duration. Emerging evidence supports antiseptic meatal care, especially chlorhexidine, to reduce bacterial colonization. Alternative devices like external catheters and bladder scanners can reduce catheter use. Competency assessments and proper urine specimen collection are integral.<br /><br />Clostridioides difficile infections require prompt isolation, education of healthcare personnel and patients, and environmental cleaning, recognizing risk factors such as prior room occupancy by infected patients.<br /><br />The document stresses ongoing adherence to infection prevention guidelines, audit processes to monitor compliance, and staying current with evolving evidence to reduce HAIs and enhance patient safety.

Keywords

healthcare-associated infections

HAIs

catheter-associated urinary tract infections

CAUTI

central line-associated bloodstream infections

CLABSI

infection prevention

surveillance methods

chlorhexidine bathing

infection control guidelines