Infection Control Liaisons, Partners in CARES: Infection Prevention & Control

ISSUE: The focus on patient safety has brought many challenges to the practice of nursing and infection prevention. Although the Departments of Infection Prevention & Control and Nursing are separate, each needs the other to fulfill its mission. Collaboration is key to improving patient safety. Nurses are the front line of health care and serve as the “eyes and ears” for infection prevention and control.

In order to ensure implementation of evidence based infection control practices, nurses must be aware of the role they play and the scope of preventative interventions. Responsibilities include those related to clinic practices, regulatory compliance, new technology, emerging infectious diseases, construction planning, occupational health, syndromic surveillance, disinfection and sterilization, invasive interventions, bioterrorism planning and education.

PROJECT: We are a community-based health system who partners with other health care organizations to ensure the health and wellness of our community. Infection prevention and control are a vital part of our mission and CARES values (commitment, action, respect, excellence and service). A highly effective method of expanding infection prevention and safety is the designation of infection control liaisons. The liaisons are volunteers approved by their managers and facilitate communication between departments/unit/clinic and the infection control professional.

RESULTS: Our infection control liaison program has grown in the past six years and includes individuals from the nursing department, the physician office practices, outpatient clinics, physical therapy, surgical services, senior care, microbiology, respiratory, diagnostic imaging and the emergency department. Liaisons meet for education and discuss practices, policies, infection prevention and control strategies. Liaisons are invited to participate in committee meetings and are provided opportunities to attend infection control workshops. Liaisons write publications, research and develop policies and procedures; they provide in-services and are involved in surveillance activities and quality initiatives.

LESSONS LEARNED: The liaison program is key to expanding the overall effectiveness of infection prevention and is vital to the continuum of quality healthcare and patient safety. Our infection control liaisons serve our organization on the front lines and drive our infection prevention program.

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