Link to Universal Decolonization of Residents in Long-Term Care PDF

In a recent talk, the critical topic of decolonization in long-term care facilities was discussed. Decolonization is an essential practice to improve residents’ quality of life and reduce infections and hospitalizations. Regular chlorhexidine baths and nasal decolonization using iodophor have proven effective in reducing infection and hospitalization risk.

Healthcare professionals in long-term care settings are encouraged to explore decolonization strategies to make a difference in the lives of residents. While you won't get CEUs for listening to the talk, taking the time to learn about decolonization in the long-term care population can make a huge difference.

Let's work together to prioritize infection prevention and healthcare quality in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Remember, healthier spaces benefit everyone!

From 5-Second Rule:

About our Guests:

Benjamin Galvan, MLS (ASCP), CIC, CPH

Benjamin D. Galvan is a board-certified infection prevention director in Tampa, FL and a consulting infection prevention subject matter expert with APIC Consulting Services. Since 2018, Benjamin has demonstrated a passion for infection prevention and patient safety by leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration and performance improvement methodologies to improve health outcomes. In June 2021, Benjamin was awarded the inaugural Emerging Leader in Infection Prevention award by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and was selected as a rising star in healthcare by Becker’s Hospital Review in 2022. In 2015, Benjamin attained his bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and is presently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health at the University of South Florida.

Emily Gaddam, BSN, RN, CIC

 Emily Gaddam is a Nurse Epidemiologist, Infection Prevention Consultant, and Health Delivery Scientist dedicated to quality and patient safety. She plays an active role in Greater Los Angeles APIC chapter as the Communication Chair, webmaster, and legislative committee member. Emily's achievements include earning a prestigious blue ribbon at the National APIC conference for her pioneering efforts in C. auris prevention, publishing a recent stem cell investigation in Transfusion, and demonstrating unwavering commitment to preventing central line infection at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the nation's premiere heart transplant center.

Marissa Yee, MPH, CIC

Marissa Yee, MPH, CIC, is an infection preventionist at the University of Michigan Health. She began her infection prevention career in 2016 at U-M Health as the data coordinator for the institution’s hand hygiene program before taking on infection prevention analyst responsibilities and, in 2019, becoming an infection preventionist. Marissa covers inpatient adult and pediatric units along with several ambulatory health centers and specialty clinics. She works closely with the outpatient pediatric and adult dialysis units to identify opportunities for reducing bloodstream infections and vascular access infections. She leads Ambulatory Care Infection Prevention meetings and actively participates on the Ambulatory Care Regulatory Readiness Advisory Council.

Harry Zhen, MPH, CIC

Harry Zhen, MPH, CIC, is an infection preventionist at the University of Michigan Health. He began his career in infection prevention in 2019 as an analyst and data coordinator for the institution’s hand hygiene program before transitioning to the role of infection preventionist in 2020. His current areas of focus include the adult pulmonary moderate and intensive care unit, pediatric surgery and operating rooms, interventional radiology, and respiratory care. He is the Infection Prevention lead for the Mold Surveillance and Response Program at the University of Michigan Health, and is also the co-lead of the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Surgical Site Infection Prevention Workgroup at the University of Michigan Health.

 Further Resources:

2024 Call for Speakers (https://www.abstractscorecard.com/cfp...) 

Benjamin Galvin Poster Presentation: A 90-Day Success Story: Insights from a New Infection Prevention Director with Multicenter Oversight (https://5secondruleshow.org/wp-conten...) 

Emily Gaddam Oral Presentation: Candida Auris: A Team-based Approach to Taming the Wild Yeast (https://5secondruleshow.org/wp-conten...) 

Harry Zhen and Marissa Yee Oral Presentation: Data Rather Than Germs on Your Fingertips: Leveraging Business Intelligence to Improve and Sustain Hand Hygiene Compliance (https://5secondruleshow.org/wp-conten...) 

UNVEILING THE GUARDIANS OF HEALTH: CELEBRATING INFECTION PREVENTIONISTS AND THEIR REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AT THE APIC2023 CONVENTION

Though their work often goes unnoticed by the public, infection preventionists have long been the vanguards of health, standing at the forefront of the battle against infectious diseases. Their commitment and vigilance have saved countless lives and prevented the spread of epidemics. They are the invisible hands that weave the tapestry of safety and well-being within our healthcare systems. 

Many people have heard of infection control in hospitals, but today the field of infection prevention encompasses so much more: IPs in the past were many registered nurses but today IPs can be physicians, MPH, microbiologists, data scientists, and so much more. They keep patients, staff, and visitors safe in hospitals but have expanded to some many other settings such as public health, outpatient surgical centers and doctors offices, dialysis centers, skilled nursing facilities and long term care facilities, as well as less traditional settings such as schools and group homes and prisons. 

In the United States alone, an estimated 35,000 infection preventionists stand as sentinels of health. Yet, their title remains unfamiliar to many. The profession of infection "preventionist" ("IP" for short) has just been added to the sacred pages of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Yes, it is a testament to the growing acknowledgment of their crucial role in our collective safety. Their name now graces the hallowed halls of linguistic validation.

Did you know that a staggering 38% of infection preventionists are "oners," working alone in their respective facilities. It's time we change that narrative. As these remarkable individuals gain more recognition and appreciation for their invaluable work, let's envision a world where they have a network of support and collaboration. A world where their expertise is celebrated, their efforts multiplied, and their impact magnified.

Now to highlight the noble #volunteers of Greater Los Angeles APIC skillfully intertwining their expertise with the realm of skilled nursing facilities and long-term care. Fueled by compassion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to improve education and infection prevention practices, their mission resonates within their very being. As Teena, our esteemed board member, once wisely said, "I was always an infection preventionist, I just didn't know it." Her words echo the untapped potential within each of us to make a lasting impact.

As we celebrate the joyful gathering at #APIC2023, let us remember the collective enthusiasm that permeated the room. Laughter filled the air, banshee-like screams of joy reverberated, and hearts swelled with a shared sense of purpose. These cherished moments of connection remind us of the power we possess when we come together, united in our dedication to making a difference.

So let us honor the invaluable work of infection preventionists, those unsung heroes who tirelessly protect our well-being. May they share their stories as Bernice Berry encouraged and spread awareness, so their remarkable contributions can be celebrated. Together, we can ensure that infection preventionists gain the recognition they truly deserve. 

Thank you for allowing me to share this tale of inspiration. Let it serve as a reminder that even the smallest acts of compassion can create ripples of change. Keep shining your light and let us continue to weave a tapestry of appreciation, understanding, and unwavering support for these noble guardians of our health.

#InfectionPreventionAndYou #InfectionPreventionists #HealthVanguards #IPsInAction #PublicHealth #SentinelsOfHealth #IPProfession #NetworkOfSupport #GreaterLosAngelesAPIC #CompassionAndEmpathy #InfectionPreventionPractices #EducationMatters #APICMoments #SharedSenseOfPurpose #UnsungHeroes #SpreadAwareness #RemarkableContributions #RipplesOfChange #TapestryOfAppreciation #UnderstandingAndSupport #GuardiansOfOurHealth

Quality Chat: Hospital-onset Bacteremia (HOB)

In this introduction, I discuss the advantages and disadvantages of DHP, a powerful antimicrobial agent that has gained attention in the field. Unlike traditional liquid hydrogen peroxide, DHP is a solid compound that releases hydrogen peroxide gas when activated. Its unique properties make it an intriguing solution for continuous disinfection, with rapid action and persistent antimicrobial effects. One of the key advantages of DHP is its broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, as with any technology, it's important to consider the limitations and potential drawbacks of DHP. Factors such as surface-dependent effectiveness, equipment requirements, and cost considerations need to be taken into account. We must also ensure compliance with regulations and protocols to ensure safe and effective use of DHP. In this video, I'll be providing you with an overview of the topic, while looking at the recent publication: Impact of Dry Hydrogen Peroxide on Environmental Bioburden Reduction in a Long-term Care Facility Mary Cole, RN, MS, CNRN, CCRN, SCRN, CIC Open Access Published: June 07, 2023 in American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC). So, join me on this journey as we delve into the world of dry hydrogen peroxide. Together, we'll explore its potential and shed light on its role in maintaining cleanliness, reducing infections, and improving overall health and safety. 

#Antimicrobial #Disinfection #HydrogenPeroxide #BroadSpectrum #InfectionControl #Healthcare #Cleanliness #InfectionPrevention #Hygiene #Microbiology #HealthandSafety #MedicalResearch #LongTermCare #BioburdenReduction 

Join me, Emily Gaddam MHDS RN CIC, as we embark on a discussion centered on the enlightening article titled "Etiology and Utility of Hospital-onset Bacteremia as a Safety Metric for Targeted Harm Reduction." Here we'll explore the profound impact of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) on patient well-being and the financial landscape of healthcare systems. The article specifically focuses on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and introduces the potential of HOB as a simplified reporting metric with the promise of enhancing quality improvement efforts. Together, we will delve into the complexities surrounding HOB as a metric, seeking a deeper understanding of its feasibility in achieving harm reduction. We will discuss concerns and uncertainties regarding the metric's applicability for improving patient outcomes. We will also explore the crucial role of provider-perceived preventability and the consideration of infection sources in shaping effective mitigation strategies. I will also post this at www.emilygaddam.com and www.infectioncontroladvice.com. I invite you to join our discussion, sharing your insights and perspectives on the utilization of HOB as a quality improvement target. Together, we can foster a collaborative environment where healthcare professionals come together to optimize patient care and safety. 

#HospitalAcquiredInfections #HAIs #PatientSafety #QualityImprovement #InfectionControl #CLABSI #HealthcareSystems #HarmReduction #MetricsThatMatter #HealthcareCollaboration #PatientOutcomes #PreventableInfections #InfectionMitigation #ProviderPerspective #HealthcareQuality #PatientWellBeing #FinancialImpact #EvidenceBasedPractice #HealthcareLeadership #ImprovingPatientCare #NHSN #CMS #Incentives #Penalties #Reimbursement

VIDEO 1: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL IN YOUR BUSINESS

VIDEO 2: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL IN YOUR BUSINESS

VIDEO 3: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL IN YOUR BUSINESS

VIDEO 4: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL IN YOUR BUSINESS

An Early Valentine's Gift: Clearing Up Misconceptions Behind Antigen tests

Cochrane Reviews are evidence-based reports that provide a summary of findings from a systematic review of multiple studies. They aim to provide a comprehensive overview of evidence to help guide decisions and future research.

So, the authors of this Cochrane review/systematic analysis wanted to get to the bottom of the rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2. They sifted through the COVID-19 Open Access Project database and found 155 study cohorts, including 100,462 samples, from 49 different commercial antigen assays.

Here’s the findings:

The average sensitivity* was higher in symptomatic individuals (73%) compared to asymptomatic individuals (54.7%). Sensitivity and specificity are statistical terms used to evaluate the performance of a diagnostic test. Sensitivity refers to the proportion of true positive cases that are correctly identified by the test. It is a measure of the test's ability to correctly identify individuals who have the condition being tested for. Specificity is a measure of the test's ability to correctly identify individuals who do not have the condition being tested for. A test with high sensitivity is considered to be good at identifying positive cases, while a test with high specificity is considered to be good at identifying negative cases.

Also, to throw another wrench in things: The chance of a false positive depends on the prevalence of the condition being tested for. In general, a high specificity means that the test is good at correctly identifying negative results, but the false positive rate (the chance of a positive result when the person is actually negative) can still be high if the condition being tested for is rare. To determine the exact false positive rate, one would need to know the sensitivity of the test (its ability to correctly identify positive results), the prevalence of the condition, and the positive predictive value, which takes into account both the specificity and the prevalence of the condition.

So (drumroll).... the results: the sensitivity varied between brands, with sensitivities ranging from 34.3% to 91.3% in symptomatic individuals and 28.6% to 77.8% in asymptomatic individuals.

Average specificity was similarly high for symptomatic (99.1%) or asymptomatic (99.7%) participants.

So, in conclusion, these rapid antigen tests are a good tool, but they're far from perfect. They're not going to give us 100% certainty, but it's still better than nothing.

Caveats: the risk of bias. Bias can influence results in either an overestimation or underestimation of the true value of an effect. The study found high risk of bias in the evaluated studies. The study reports that the risk of bias was high due to factors such:

• as participant selection (26%), 

• weaknesses in the reference standard for absence of infection (78%), 

• participant flow and timing (27%), and differences in the way the tests were delivered and used from the way they were intended to be used (31%). 

• the study also mentions that many commercially available rapid antigen tests have not been evaluated in independent validation studies, adding to the uncertainty about their accuracy.

In the case of the rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2, the risk of bias could have influenced the results in either direction and impacted the overall accuracy of the tests. 

#CochraneReview #SystematicAnalysis #RapidAntigenTests #SARS-CoV-2 #Sensitivity #Specificity #FalsePositive #DiagnosticTests #EvidenceBased #COVID19OpenAccessProject #ParticipantSelection #ReferenceStandard #ParticipantFlow #TestAccuracy #RiskOfBias #CommercialAntigenAssays #AsymptomaticIndividuals #SymptomaticIndividuals #Accuracy #Uncertainty #MedicalMisconceptions 

Nail Salon Nightmares: Are You Putting Your Health (or business) on the Line for a Manicure?

In the summer of 2000, a strange outbreak occurred in a small town in Northern California. Patients were showing up at doctors' offices with persistent boils on their legs, but no one could figure out what was causing them. It wasn't until a sharp-eyed physician noticed that all of her patients had recently gotten pedicures at the same nail salon that the mystery began to unravel.

The health department sprang into action, launching an investigation to find out what was causing these infections. They quickly discovered that the source of the problem was the salon's whirlpool footbaths. 110 customers of the salon had developed furunculosis, a type of skin infection caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria.

But how could this be? Mycobacteria are commonly found in soil and water, but they don't usually cause problems for healthy people. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that the source of the outbreak was the footbaths at the nail salon. These whirlpool baths were found to be contaminated with rapidly growing mycobacteria, specifically Mycobacterium fortuitum.It turns out that the salon's footbaths were the perfect breeding ground for these sneaky germs. The warm, damp environment allowed the bacteria to grow and multiply, and when customers put their feet in the baths, they were exposing themselves to a veritable petri dish of infection.

But the health department wasn't content to just identify the problem - they wanted to find out how to prevent it from happening again. They conducted a case-control study, comparing affected patients to unaffected customers who had also gotten pedicures at the salon. They discovered that shaving legs before the pedicure was a significant risk factor for infection, and that the bacteria in the footbaths matched those found on the affected patients.

So what can be done to protect oneself from a similar fate? First and foremost, it is important to be vigilant when choosing a nail salon. Look for cleanliness and proper sterilization practices. Avoid salons that reuse razor blades, as this was found to be a risk factor in this particular outbreak. Also, avoid shaving your legs before a pedicure, as this can increase the risk of infection.

For salon owners and staff, it is crucial to maintain proper hygiene and sterilization practices. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting all tools and equipment, including footbaths. It is also important to have a protocol in place for identifying and responding to potential outbreaks.

And let us not forget the importance of infection preventionists. Trained professionals who specialize in preventing and controlling outbreaks such as this one. They play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and staff in healthcare and community settings.

#NailSalonNightmares #InfectionOutbreak #WhirlpoolFootbaths #InfectionPrevention #HygienePractices #Sterilization #CaseControlStudy #MycobacteriumFortuitum #ProtectYourHealth #ProtectYourBusiness #ChooseWisely #BeVigilant #InfectionPreventionists 

Navigating the Stormy Seas of Infection Prevention: A POEM

A clean facility, a healthy space,

Emily's Infection Control to the rescue, no time to waste.

With her expertise, your worries cease,

A safe environment, a thing of peace.

I am Emily, a nurse and certified “IP”

Infection prevention is my ship

I'll navigate you through the stormy seas

And make sure your business is disease-free

With 14 years of experience, I'll lead the way

To a safe and healthy environment, come what may

Let's work together, hand in hand

To make your business, a safe and clean land

Up-to-date and ready to lead

A safe environment is all we need

Let's work together, side by side

To keep infections at bay, with pride.

With a name like Gaddam, it may seem odd,

But rhyming with Adam, it's not so flawed.

God damn, it may seem, but trust her ways,

She'll guide you through this infection maze.

#InfectionPrevention #CleanFacility #HealthySpace #ExpertConsultation #NavigatingStormySeas #DiseaseFree #SafeEnvironment #CertifiedIP #14YearsExperience #UpToDate #HandInHand #KeepInfectionsAtBay #EmilyGaddam #Poem 

Taking the First Step: How Marie Curie's Journey Motivated Me to Start My Business

As a young girl, Marie Curie never imagined that she would become one of the most accomplished scientists of her time. Born in Poland in 1867, she grew up in a world where women were not encouraged to pursue careers in science or any other field. Despite this, she persisted in her studies, eventually becoming the first woman to earn a degree in physics from the Sorbonne in Paris.

Marie's journey serves as an inspiration to all of us who have ever doubted our abilities or felt limited by our circumstances. It reminds us that taking the first step forward is often the hardest, but it's also the most important. As she once said, "Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less."

I know how Marie feels. I come from a family of hardworking people but none of them were entrepreneurs or business owners. I was a good student, but when I graduated high school, I didn't have a clear vision of what I wanted to accomplish in life. It wasn't until I was much older that I started to identify my strengths and weaknesses and dream about a path forward.

That's why I've decided to take the first step and start my own business as an infection prevention consultant. My role at a large academic medical center has given me the team and security I desire, but my new venture allows me to be creative and flexible in serving where I see a need.

I'm excited to begin this new chapter in my life and I hope that my story will inspire others to do the same. As Oprah Winfrey once said, "The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams." So, don't be afraid to take that first step and chase your dreams, you might be surprised at where it leads you.

#MarieCurie #Inspiration #TakingTheFirstStep #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner #DreamBig #InfectionPrevention #Consultant #AcademicMedicalCenter #Creative #Flexible #ChaseYourDreams #WomenInScience #ScienceEducation #GenderEquality #OvercomingObstacles #RoleModel #Fearless #SuccessStory

Don't Let COVID-19 Weasel Its Way into Your Business: How to protect your business and StaY Compliant

As we move into an era of COVID-19 endemicity, it's important for businesses to understand the implications of this new reality. According to an article by Dr. Monica Gandhi, the virus is not going away and it will continue to be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future.

One of the main implications for businesses is the need for ongoing infection control measures. Traditional non-hospital settings such as nail salons, tattoo parlors, and dentist offices have always had to implement infection control measures, but now we are seeing a wider range of settings, such as schools, camps, offices, and the entertainment industry, needing to do the same.

To prepare for this new reality, businesses need to have a clear understanding of the current guidelines and recommendations for infection control, as well as the ability to adapt and adjust these measures as needed. This can be a daunting task for many businesses, especially those without a background in infection control.

That's where expert consultation services come in. An expert in infection control can help businesses navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations. They can assist with creating and implementing infection control plans, as well as providing ongoing support and advice to help businesses stay compliant and safe.

In this new era of endemic COVID-19, it's essential for businesses to take infection control seriously. . By working with an expert consultant, they can feel confident that they are doing everything they can to protect their employees and customers. And let's be honest, nobody wants to be the business that gets shut down for non-compliance or becomes a COVID-19 super spreader. 

As Homer Simpson once said, "Weaseling out of things is important to learn; it’s what separates us from the animals… except the weasel."  By working with an expert consultant, businesses can feel confident that they are doing everything they can to protect their employees and customers. Don't let COVID-19 weasel its way into your business, make sure you have the right expert on your team.

#COVID19Compliance #InfectionControl #ExpertConsultant #BusinessProtection #StayCompliant #NewReality #Endemic #COVID19Guidelines #Adaptation #NonHospitalSettings #EmployeeSafety #CustomerSafety #HealthAndSafety #RiskMitigation #ExpertAdvice #COVID19SuperSpreader #BusinessContinuity #ComplianceRisk #InfectionPrevention #StaySafe #StayHealthy #ProtectYourBusiness #WeaselOutOfThings #ExpertInfectionControlConsultant

COVID-19 Surge in LA: Is Your Business Prepared for a Mask Mandate and the Return of a Tripledemic?

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in Los Angeles County, public health experts are warning that a mask mandate may be necessary to curb the spread of the virus. But what does this mean for businesses? The reality is that the return of a mask mandate and the emergence of a "tripledemic" of COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases poses a serious threat to the operation and profitability of businesses in the area.

For businesses, a mask mandate means more expenses in terms of personal protective equipment (PPE) and potential lost revenue due to reduced foot traffic. Additionally, businesses must navigate the complexities of enforcing mask-wearing among employees and customers, which can be a difficult and time-consuming task.

The real risk to businesses is the potential for regulatory issues and liabilities. With hospitals already stretched thin, an outbreak in a business can quickly spiral out of control, leading to lost productivity and legal action.

In the event of an outbreak, businesses can be held liable for failing to properly protect employees and customers from COVID-19. This includes not providing proper PPE, not enforcing social distancing, and not properly sanitizing the workplace.

This is where an infection control consultant comes in. An infection control consultant can work with your business to develop a comprehensive plan to prevent and respond to outbreaks of COVID. This plan will include guidelines for PPE, social distancing, and sanitation, as well as protocols for testing, contact tracing, and quarantine. This will not only help to protect your employees and customers from the spread of the virus, but also demonstrate to regulatory authorities that your business is taking the necessary steps to comply with the mandate.

An infection control consultant can also help your business navigate the ever-changing landscape of regulations and guidelines related to COVID-19. They can provide training for employees on how to properly wear and dispose of PPE, as well as how to identify and report symptoms of COVID-19. This will ensure that your business is in compliance with all regulations, reducing the risk of fines and penalties.

While a mask mandate may seem like a simple solution to the current hospital crisis, it also poses a significant risk to businesses. The potential for regulatory issues and liabilities can be overwhelming. It is crucial for businesses to take a proactive approach by working with an infection control consultant to develop a comprehensive plan to prevent and respond to outbreaks, and to comply with the regulations. This will not only protect your employees and customers, but also reduce the risk of regulatory issues and liabilities.

#COVID19Surge #MaskMandate #Tripledemic #BusinessPreparedness #InfectionControl #PPE #ReducedFootTraffic #RegulatoryIssues #Liabilities #OutbreakResponse #EmployeeSafety #CustomerSafety #Compliance #InfectionPrevention #ComprehensivePlan #SocialDistancing #Sanitation #Testing #ContactTracing #Quarantine #RegulationNavigation #ExpertConsultation #RiskMitigation #LegalAction #LosAngelesCounty #PublicHealth #HealthCrisis