CONCLUSION
During the past four decades, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have emerged as a significant risk to patient and healthcare provider safety. In order to ensure both patient and healthcare worker safety, infection control and prevention strategies are required in all healthcare settings. Outcomes of infection control programs should be continually assessed and reported for their effectiveness.
Healthcare workers must understand the chain of infection as it applies to basic infection prevention and control concepts and their role in breaking the links of the chain to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Effective infection control programs include an emphasis on Standard and transmission-based precautions, along with updates on the most current recommendations for PPE, work practices, and engineering controls.
As seen in recent infectious disease outbreaks, such as the 2019 SARS-CoV-2/Coronavirus pandemic, there is a need to recognize unique situations requiring enhanced infection control precautions and to respond in a timely and efficient manner.
RESOURCES
COVID-19: using personal protective equipment (PPE) (CDC)
Demonstration of donning (putting on) personal protective equipment (video) (CDC)
Demonstration of doffing (taking off) personal protective equipment (video) (CDC)
Healthcare-associated infections (CDC)
Interim infection prevention and control recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic (CDC)
Optimizing supply of PPE and other equipment during shortages (CDC)
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) consultation
888-448-4911
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