close up of hands being washed with soap in bathroom sink

Want to learn more about infection prevention and control; with an emphasis on C.difficile, norovirus and MRSA?

Dr. Muhammad S. Ashraf, MBBS, the Medical Director at the Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program (ICAP) recently presented on this topic. Presentation materials and the WebEx recording can be found on our Web site. Dr. Ashraf offered insight on the epidemiology of these infections and recommended diagnostic strategies and methods to prevention transmission when taking care of patients.

There were over 160 attendees for this informative training opportunity. We asked attendees to offer one thing they learned and can apply to their work environment. A few responses are below.

  • I learned a lot about colonization vs active disease and can use this material to better educate my patients
  • The importance of strict hand hygiene
  • We will try to pursue a two step testing for C. diff.
  • I will go back and lookat our policies regarding MRSA colonization
  • That any patient on an antibiotic is at risk for C.diff and that the norovirus is highly contagious and hands should be washed with soap and running water as we do with C.diff
  • Do not order additional C. diff stool lab tests if patient’s first test was negative
  • I will be interested in reviewing the Guideline from SHEA regarding discontinuing isolation precautions
“Having 160 plus attendees from a variety of healthcare settings was absolutely amazing!  There is clearly a need for ongoing infection prevention and control education,” stated Paula Sitzman, RN, BSN, Quality Improvement Advisor with Great Plains Quality Innovation Network.

Healthcare infections are a threat to patient safety and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Healthcare infection prevention has always been a focus of our prevention efforts. To lean more, visit our Web site.

Dr. Ashraf’s presentation materials and the WebEx recording can be found on our Web site.