Wrapping Up International Infection Prevention Week
As International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) winds down, we at PSQH just want to thank infection preventionists for all the hard work they do every day. In these COVID days, their job is more important than ever. Thanks to our sponsors this week, Angelini Pharma and GOJO, the inventors of Purell.
Post-Pandemic: Be Prepared to Explain How You’re Going to Catch Up
All accreditation organizations as well as CMS are working on backlogs of surveys delayed by the public health emergency (PHE) declared in March. Waivers will no longer be allowed once that PHE is lifted. As many facilities have had their hands full with patient surges from COVID-19, the illness caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus, they’ll have work to do to ensure their environment of care is brought up to speed.
Addressing and Extending Psychosocial Care and Support to Patients and HCWs During COVID-19
In the authors’ hospital of practice, patients who required isolation at the hospital had to adhere to strict infection control protocols, and some did not have a readily available caregiver who could room with them. While provisions were made for these patients to receive some of their essential belongings from home such as their gadgets, phones, and toys, many were unable to access them owing to caregiver challenges, giving rise to feelings of isolation and displacement.
PSQH Quick Poll: Taking the Pulse of Infection Prevention Efforts
Asked to rate the infection prevention efforts of their organization, 57.2% of respondents said their program was extremely effective, 41.3% said their organization’s infection prevention was somewhat effective, and 1.5% said their efforts were not effective.
Can Technology Step Up Amid Surging Demand for Telehealth?
With its lower latency and faster speeds that could help increase accuracy in real-time diagnosis and boost innovation in operating rooms, 5G could be the key that finally unlocks the full potential of telehealth just as demand and interest surges.
CMS Approves Merger of HFAP with Accreditation Commission for Health Care
HFAP standards and certification requirements will stay the same and it will continue to operate under the HFAP name as a brand within ACHC, according to information released by both organizations October 20.
PSQH: The Podcast Episode 14 – Infection Prevention During a Pandemic
On episode 14 of PSQH: The Podcast, host Jay Kumar talks to LRC Systems founder and CEO Dr. Shailesh Date about how U.S. hospitals have responded to COVID-19, what to expect as we enter flu season, thoughts about a potential vaccine, and the threat of co-infections. This episode is part of PSQH’s celebration of International Infection Prevention Week and is brought to you by Angelini Pharma and GOJO, the inventors of Purell.
Improving Hand Hygiene Requires a Multi-Modal Approach
The key to implementing a winning hand hygiene strategy is to take a multimodal approach. Combining direct observation, just-in-time coaching and an electronic compliance monitoring system are effective solutions.
Hospital Admissions Bounce Back, But Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels
Using electronic medical record data gleaned from Epic Health Research Network, the KFF researchers looked at total hospital admissions and non-COVID-19 admissions by patient sex, age, and region to calculate the actual admissions as a share of total predicted admissions for 2020 based on past trends.
How to Understand and Utilize the EPA’s “N” List
The EPA’s “N” List can be your adversary or your ally. Learn how it is compiled, how best to search it, and where EPA lists can help you most.