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Improving Patient Flow
A new resource developed by the Public Health Units in the SWOICN area, CCAC, and SWOICN aims to help determine when it's OK to transfer patients/residents during and outbreak, or in the instance where an ARO is involved. If hospitals, LTCH, Public Health, and CCAC all use this resource, it will make the transfer process easier. Both algorithms are available for free download. |
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©Istockphoto.com/ayzeh |
WHAT'S IN YOUR WAY?
In the fall of 2011, we featured a 10-part series outlining roadblocks ICPs face when trying to implement effective IPAC programs. This series was based upon an article written by Marsha Wallander, originally published in APIC's newsletter "Preventing Infections in Ambulatory Care."
#1 - Apathy Within
#2 - Not using your QI program to lobby for your infection prevention needs
#3 - Lack of knowledge of community, province, and federal requirements
#4 - Not Using Local Department of Health Resources
#5 - Not Keeping Current on Nationally-Recognized Guidelines and Recommended Practices
#6 - Disregard for Orientation and Training
#7 - Never Leaving Your Office
#8 - Failure to Keep Tabs on Equipment
#9 - The Policy is in Place, But Rarely Followed
#10 - Not making your program interesting, challenging or meaningful
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Infection Control for Families and Visitors
An 8-minute DVD resource designed to assist healthcare staff in the education of family members and visitors about the importance of their role in infection control. A collaborative project between the South Western Ontario Infection Control Network, London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Health Care. Preview it here!
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©Istockphoto/Dimitry Romanchuck |
Inservice on Demand SWOICN's Inservices on Demand are effective online educational tools for frontline staff who may not always be able to attend inservices in person. Each presentation includes a quiz that, once completed can be printed out for inclusion in employment records or education logs. IOD can also be used for staff training inservices!
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Precaution Signage - (updated March 2011)
Developed by our Acute Care Subcommittee, these signs are compliant with PIDAC's Routine Practices & Additional Precautions best practice document. They provide clear, easy to read direction to staff when Additional Precautions are in place but also provide more detailed information if required. Downloadable copies are available below.
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Precaution Cards - (updated March 2011)
These two-sided cards are the same size as a regular ID card and can be affixed to an existing ID card carried by health care workers. They provide a quick reference as to the types of precautions to be used when dealing with airborne, contact, and droplet transmission. The reverse side of the card provides a quick and easy-to-read reference chart showing common diseases with the types of precaution required for each one. Long term care and acute care versions have been developed and both complement the precaution signage above. At this time, the cards are available by download only.
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PPE Signage
This provincially developed signage provides staff with a clear and concise reference for the proper use of PPE. One sign demonstrates the proper steps when putting on PPE and can be hung on the outside of a patient/resident room. The other sign shows the correct steps when removing PPE and can be hung o the inside of the patient/resident room.
SWOICN has produced a supply of these signs for its stakeholders printed on "Hop Syn" paper, making them completely washable! SWOICN stakeholders can order a supply by contacting our office.
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Donning & Doffing Lanyard Cards
Another quick reference tool that staff can carry on their ID badges. One side demonstrates the steps to correctly put on PPE while the opposite side shows the steps necessary to take off protective equipment.
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Ready-to-Use Display Boards
A great way to promote Infection Prevention and Control at your facility! These display boards are available for loan to our stakeholders on a first-come, first-serve basis. Loans can be arranged for 1 or 2 weeks, depending upon demand. They have been formatted to fit a table-top display unit (also available for loan), measuring 59” wide and 37” high. The velcro backing also permits mounting on fabric display boards.
Current Topics
(click the links to view each one)
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Lending Library
Our library contains books, DVDs, videos, teaching kits and other resources of value to the Infection Control Professional. Loans periods are two weeks but can be extended, depending upon demand. Scan a list of our complete holdings and contact our office to arrange for free delivery of the items that interest you. |
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The Grand Prix of PPE
The video uses a humourous approach to depict various situations commonly encountered in a LTCH setting and instructs the viewer on appropriate choice, donning process, and doffing process of PPE. It features a teaching guide and a CD of Companion Materials that includes a power point suitable for staff inservices, precaution signage, etc. Hospitals and public health units may find this material useful too! Click here for a preview.
UPDATES - March 2011
We have updated some of the material in the Companion CD. Revised Precaution Signage can be downloaded above . The Teaching Guide has also been updated to reflect the latest IPAC best practice.
Ordering Information: Long Term Care Homes within the province of Ontario are asked to contact their local Infection Control Network. For organizations outside the province, please email norma.reese@oahpp.ca for ordering information.
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Signage
Is your facility suffering from stale signage? SWOICN has begun developing acompliation of signage in use throughout the region. This electronic catalogue will be maintained by SWOICN and will be used in response to requests for such resources. This will allow facilities to find resources that suit organizational needs while keeping costs to a minimum! Got something you would like to share - let us know! |
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Infection Control Week Idea Primer
A resource originally developed by our sister network, WWICN that is chock full of ideas to help educate staff about infection prevention and control and to celebrate Infection Control Week in October. Copies are available by contacting the office or by free download.
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Looking for New Hand Hygiene Posters?
Have you found that after a certain period of time, your hand hygiene signage becomes unnoticeable to staff? If you are looking for hand hygiene signs to add to your IPAC arsenal, click here for a compendium of free, downloadable signs in a variety of sizes. Got a sign you are willing to share with others, let us know.
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