Evidence-based training helps meet IPC targets

By ahhb
Tuesday, 15 September, 2015

Within the healthcare sector there is growing pressure to reduce the rates of Health Care Associated Infections (HCAI). Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) teams have increasingly stringent targets to aim for with tighter budgets and larger penalties in place if they fail.

It is accepted practice that improved infection control practices, such as good hand hygiene, routine cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, can help break the chain of transmission and therefore reduce HCAI rates.^1,2,3
There have been many initiatives from both Government and individual Hospitals that target hand hygiene, however compliance and product effectiveness can vary. Environmental surfaces can serve as a reservoir for microorganisms, which can be transferred to the hands of healthcare workers, visitors and patients. Good environmental cleaning practices help to reduce bacterial load, preventing the cross transmission of potentially harmful microorganisms. Studies have shown the positive impact of effective environmental cleaning on reducing the bioburden of MRSA, C. difficile and norovirus.^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}
Reducing HCAIs
Education and training are proven to reduce HCAIs. It doesn’t matter how powerful the disinfectant or how effective the delivery mechanism is, it will never achieve its stated claims if it is not used correctly due to insufficient understanding and training. An accessible, comprehensive and universal training scheme would be an invaluable tool for all staff. This should cover the basic tenets of infection control, such as why cleaning is important; how to clean in the most efficient manner; transference and high touch points. ^9,10
Training should be developed in conjunction with active IPC professionals, who are able to relay contemporary issues, solutions and trends that are current best practice. Any training package should be evidence-based and scientifically validated.
GAMA Healthcare, the manufacturer of Clinell, invited over 20 senior Infection Prevention and Control professionals, to join an advisory board. The board was tasked with creating the most flexible and accessible training package for environmental cleaning. Their advice, experience and research undertaken on the most up-to-date and relevant journals and studies have enabled GAMA to create a package outlining a practical and scientific approach to effective cleaning practices within a healthcare setting.
Delivered primarily on a 10in Android powered tablet, the Clinell Training Application is both accessible and enjoyable. Featuring fun and engaging games which help to emphasise key learning points and measure understanding. The application is designed to be used individually, in a small or large group and by nurse educators to perform ward-based training. The videos and instructional diagram sheets explain simply and clearly the most effective way to reduce microorganisms on the most common items found within a hospital.
Resources:
1 Otter et al. Am J Infect Control. 2013 May;41(5 Suppl):S6-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2012.12.004.
2 Weber et al. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2013 Aug;26(4):338-44. doi: 10.1097/ QCO.0b013e3283630f04.
3 Rutala et al. Am J Infect Control. 2013 May;41(5 Suppl):S36-41. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2012.11.006.
4 Messina et al. Eur J Public Health (2013) 23 (suppl 1): doi: 10.1093/ eurpub/ckt126.342
5 Kundrapu et al. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2014 Feb;35(2)
6 Plipat et al. BMC Infect Dis. 2013 Dec 17;13:595. doi: 10.1186/1471-2334- 13-595.
7 Sitzlar et al. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2013 May;34(5):459-65. doi: 10.1086/670217.
8 Guerrero et al. Am J Infect Control. 2012 Aug;40(6):556-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2011.08.002. Epub 2011 Oct 7.
9 Goodman, E. R., Platt, R., Bass, R., Onderdonk, A. B., Yokoe, D. S. & Huang, S. S. 2008. Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol, 29, 593.
10 Eckstein et al. BMC Infect Dis. 2007; 7: 61. doi: 10.1186/1471-2334-7-61