Infection Control in the Ambulatory Setting
1. There are several reasons why infection prevention in the outpatient setting a challenge. First of all, the scope of care that is being provided there is extremely wide. In addition to that, the complexity of care is also increasing. Finally, the volume of care is much more bigger than expected.Infection Control in the Ambulatory Setting
2. In Jacksonville, FL, the outbreak of Hepatitis C occurred because a radiology technician was using tainted fentanyl syringes. The root cause was that the technician was reusing disposable syringes. The patients were exposed to Hepatitis C infection. Clearly, this could have been prevented if the technician had not used the syringes twice. Even though there is no need for specific education regarding this issues, for some reason this requirement was not followed.
3. There is one group of patients that are particularly vulnerable and, therefore, needs extra protection. They are cancer patients. Given the fact that their organism is being exhausted by the treatment that they receive, one might assume that exposure to additional infections will be devastating for them. That is why they should be protected properly.Infection Control in the Ambulatory Setting
4. There are three primary objectives of the publication in question. The first is to provide basic infection prevention recommendations for outpatient settings. The second one is to reaffirm Standard Precautions as the foundation for preventing transmission of infectious agents during patient care in all healthcare settings. The third is to provide links to full guidelines and source documents, which readers can reference for more detailed background and recommendations.
5. The first is to develop and maintain infection prevention and occupational health programs. The second is to assure the availability of sufficient and appropriate supplies necessary for adherence to Standard Precautions. The third is to assure at least one individual with training in infection prevention is employed by or regularly available. The fourth is to develop written infection prevention policies and procedures appropriate for the services provided by the facility and based upon evidence-based guidelines, regulations, or standards.
References
Guide to Infection Prevention For Outpatient Settings: Minimum Expectations for Safe Care. www.cdc.gov/hai/pdfs/guidelines/ambulatory-carechecklist_508_11_2015.pdf.Infection Control in the Ambulatory Setting