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*NEW* IP Education at your Fingertips!
This new resource can help better engage your team in infection prevention! Sign up to receive free Washington Project Firstline text messages! Receive timely infection prevention updates over your phone, wherever you are, including access to:
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• Infection prevention fast facts to help raise awareness and keep engaged with infection control topics.
• Short, informative infection control training videos from the CDC.
• Tips and tools for developing staff’s foundational infection prevention knowledge.
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Sign up today! Text "JoinWAIPC" to 59309 or hover over the QR code to receive free text updates from the Washington Project Firstline. Don't forget to remind your healthcare friends, family, and coworkers/staff to sign up!
Upcoming Webinars
ANA IPC Fundamentals ECHO
Summer, 2023: New series
This American Nurses Association (ANA) Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Fundamentals ECHO® program is part of ANA's participation in Project Firstline - the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's national training collaborative for Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). As a Project ECHO Hub, ANA offers free tele-mentoring programs that connect nurses with IPC experts using brief lectures, interactive simulations and scenario-based presentations.
As infectious disease continues to evolve, ANA IPC Fundamentals ECHO has developed new content for our Summer, 2023 series. Whether you are a healthcare worker who participated in previous series or are new to Project Firstline, we invite you to register and join us.
Understanding Re-Emerging Pathogens • June 15, 1:00 p.m.
Standard Precautions for the prevention and control of Infections • June 22, 1:00 p.m.
Washington State Long-term Care Training for Local Health Jurisdictions
Do you work for a local health jurisdiction and want to learn more about the state’s long-term care system? The virtual session, Washington State Long-term Care Training for Local Health Jurisdictions, will be held 10:30 a.m. to noon, June 22.
This engaging and educational training will provide information to assist local health jurisdiction personnel when establishing and enforcing public health measures in long-term care facilities and developmental disability settings, including:
- All applicable state and federal resident rights, including the due process rights of residents; and
- The process for local health jurisdiction personnel to report abuse and neglect in facilities, including during periods when visitation may be limited.
To register and view the agenda, visit the Washington State Long-term Care Training for Local Health Jurisdictions webinar registration page. The training was developed as part of a collaboration between state Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Health, the State Office of the Long-term Care Ombuds, and representatives of long-term care facilities.
We encourage all local health jurisdiction professionals involved in Washington’s long-term care system, infection prevention, and public health interventions to attend this training. Together, we can better contribute to comprehensive emergency preparedness and a more compassionate long-term care environment for vulnerable adults, ultimately promoting their health, safety, and quality of life.
Please note that although the webinar is open to all, the material will be specifically tailored to local health jurisdiction personnel.
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 Health Equity
Recently, the CDC collaborated with the Council for Outbreak Response: Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens (CORHA) to create a comprehensive list of patient and facility-level variables that can be collected during or after a HAI outbreak investigation. Adoption of these standardized variables can help improve data quality, elucidate risk factors for HAI outbreaks, and address underlying inequities in healthcare outbreak response. Health equity: The missing data elements in healthcare outbreak response is a letter to the editor recently published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. The manuscript highlights the importance of capturing health equity related data as part of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) outbreak investigations.
Equity Resources
Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR)
What is an ICAR?
In partnership with local health jurisdictions, we provide free/non-regulatory Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) consultations to long term care, dental, dialysis, and other health care settings.
Our experienced Infection Preventionists (IP) work closely with the facility and customizes the consultation to assess infection prevention strengths, opportunities on a variety of infection prevention and control topics and any areas of concern the facility has identified.
Each interaction is focused on education and offers the most up-to-date infection prevention resources. Consultations can be completed either onsite or virtually as a tele visit.
Introducing our ICAR Coordinators, here to connect you with infection prevention and control expertise and resources that you need for your facility!
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My name is Rachael Monis. I started with DOH in 2021 and have worked in healthcare services for eight years. I am a Seattle native. I have a deep love for all animals and I’m passionate about learning. In my spare time, I am probably reading a book, watching a movie, or working on projects around my house. I love my team and my position here at DOH. Connect with us to learn more about our great Infection Prevention and Control program! |
My name is Mel Polomis. I joined DOH in 2021. My love and interest in public health began while working in the veterinary field and then at the county animal shelter, SCRAPS. I have a strong love of house plants with over 200 and a large garden that I enjoy. My husband and I have four dogs and numerous chickens. I am happy to be on this team and excited to expand my work experience in public health. Connect with us to learn how our program can help you with your infection prevention and control needs!
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 General Updates:
Stewardship Website Update
- We are pleased to announce that our antimicrobial stewardship website has been updated. New subpages are available specifically for nursing homes, acute care facilities, and National Health and Safety Network Antibiotic Use and Resistance resources (NHSN AUR).
- Coming soon: subpages for general outpatient and dental clinics.
NHSN AUR Implementation FAQ
New 2023 Breakpoint Implementation Toolkit from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
- This breakpoint implementation toolkit was designed by CLSI, Association of Public Health Laboratories, American Society for Microbiology, College of American Pathologists, and the CDC to assist clinical laboratories in updating minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints.
CDC’s Priorities for Hospital Core Element Implementation
Clinical Pearls
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Did You Know:
- Shorter courses of antibiotics may be better:
- Seven- and 14-day durations are based upon the historical fact that in 321 C.E., Constantine the Great decreed that there would be seven days in a week.
- Five- and 10-day durations are based upon the number of metacarpal bones that evolved in the hominid hand.
- Oral antibiotics can be used for some systemic infections:
- No prospective study ever established intravenous (IV) antimicrobial therapy as more effective than oral therapy for the treatment of osteomyelitis and endocarditis.
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This study discusses two specific examples of historical practice that have been overturned recently by numerous prospective studies: traditional durations of antimicrobial therapy and the necessity of IV only therapy for specific infectious syndromes.
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Implementation of an Antibiotic Stewardship Initiative in a Large Urgent Care Network:
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This study’s findings suggest that a multifaceted antibiotic stewardship initiative was associated with reduced antibiotic prescribing for urgent care respiratory conditions.
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Strategies to Prevent Surgical Site Infections in Acute-Care Hospitals: 2022 Update
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A guidance document from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), the American Hospital Association (AHA), and The Joint Commission intended to highlight practical recommendations to assist acute-care hospitals in implementing and prioritizing their surgical-site infection (SSI) prevention efforts.
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Medical Providers’ Frequently Asked Questions About Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): Evidence for Safe Management of Suspected UTIs
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This document is designed to provide an evidence-based perspective on some common concerns that factor into antibiotic prescribing for asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Reminders
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NHSN Antibiotic Use and Resistance (AUR) Module Reporting Requirement for Hospitals
- CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Antimicrobial Use and Resistance (AUR) Module is the primary surveillance system for tracking antimicrobial use in all US hospitals. All hospitals will be required by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to be in “Active Engagement” in NHSN AUR module starting in 2024. We put together a Frequently Asked Questions document to help you get started.
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Getting Started with the NHSN AUR Module Office Hours
- You are invited to join: Getting Started with the AUR Module Office Hours. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
- These office hours are to assist facilities who are either not yet reporting into the NHSN AUR module, or who are just getting started and would like to learn the very basics of the module. The format will be a five- to10-minute presentation on a feature of NHSN AUR, followed by time for questions.
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NHSN Antimicrobial Use (AU) Module Reporting Funding Opportunity for Hospitals
- To help offset the cost of implementing reporting to the NHSN-AU module, the Department of Health is offering $5,000 financial reimbursement to hospitals that start reporting to the NHSN-AU module between August 1, 2022 and March 1, 2024.
 Healthcare Worker (HCW) Influenza Vaccination, 2019-2023
Acute care hospitals are required to report influenza vaccinations, documented contraindications, and informed declination rates to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), including all employees, volunteers, contracted and licensed independent providers in acute care hospitals (including children's hospitals, orthopedic, and surgical acute care hospitals). This vaccination data should be interpreted with caution, as they are self-reported and unvalidated.
The graphs below show data related to vaccination rates since the 2019-20 flu season. The year indicated in the graphs includes data for the entire flu season of October 2019 through May 2020.
Percent of HCWs who Received Flu Vaccine
There was a slight increase in the percentage of HCW vaccinated during 2022 when compared to the previous flu season. However, vaccination rates are still down from the 2019 and 2020 levels.
 Breakdown of HCWs who did not Receive Flu Vaccine
This graph shows the data on HCW who are not considered vaccinated in NHSN. The majority of these are unknown vaccination status, although the percentage of HCW with unknown vaccination status is down from the last flu season. The percentage of HCW who declined vaccination has been increasing annually since 2019.
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Population Included: Number of HCW and Reporting Hospitals
The number of hospitals reporting flu vaccinations and the number of HCW included in these reports has been stable since the 2020 flu season.
  Project Firstline is a nationwide project supported by the CDC and the Washington State Department of Health to provide frontline healthcare workers with infection prevention and control education.
Reduce the Spread of Infection - Become an Infection Control Superhero with the Washington State Project Firstline Learning Modules
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Washington Project Firstline has a series of online, interactive training modules on basic infection prevention and control practices. The educational, informative, and fun modules take approximately 20-minutes each to complete. Staff who complete all six modules will earn two contact-hours of continuing education credits through WA DSHS and Continuing Nursing Education at the University of Washington School of Nursing.
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The six-module series is based on CDC Project Firstline contend and focuses on the following:
- Infection Control
- How Germs Can Spread on Surfaces
- How Germs Can Spread via Respiratory Droplets
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- Proper Hand Hygiene
- Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Cleaning and Disinfection
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Modules are available at firstline.nwcphp.org. Offered in English and Spanish.
We encourage you to print the attached flyer and post it in your breakroom for your staff.
Washington Project Firstline Promotional Flyer
Facility Program: Frontline Infection Prevention Champion
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Become a Frontline Infection Prevention Champion Facility!
Steps:
- Request a Facility Code
- Have your staff members enter Facility Code in user profile.
- Notify staff to complete all six modules – they will receive two (free) contact hours of CEs/CNEs.
Once 90% of your staff complete all six training modules, you will be recognized as a Frontline Infection Prevention Champion facility.
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Are you unsure how close you are to 90%? Email Project Firstline to verify.
You will receive a certificate and recognition on Washington Project Firstline webpage. Most importantly, your staff will be trained in infection prevention!
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The Project Firstline Podcast, hosted by the Washington State Department of Health, is geared toward frontline healthcare workers to bring awareness to infection prevention and public health practices. We identify the importance and impact of infection prevention on our lives and on the lives of our community.
NEW EPISODE
• Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions
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NEW Episode:
Recent Episodes:
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 What is a Respiratory Protection Program?
A Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) is a set of rules and regulations enforced by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). These rules and regulations are in place to keep workers from becoming sick or injured because of workplace exposures to hazards. One significant hazard comes from viruses that spread through the air when a sick or contagious person coughs, talks or sneezes. Read more about how viruses spread through the air are a respiratory hazard.
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The DOH Occupational Health Team is hosting monthly 30-minute, Lunch & Learn sessions on specific respiratory protection topics. Bring your topic questions to the session or email them ahead of time to HAI-FitTest@doh.wa.gov. |
Sessions start promptly at noon.
- June 21 – Tips for the Respirator Program Administrator
- July 19 – Tips for the employee respirator training
- August 16 - Tips for Employee Respirator Training
- September 20 - Tips for Doing Your Own Fit Tests
For more information contact Stella Daniels, Occupational Health Team Supervisor.
Learn how to conduct your own fit test.
Join us for a 1-hour review of the fit test equipment and see how a valid fit test is done. Visit our website for detailed information.
- Monday, June 26, 11:00 AM
- Monday, July 10, 11:00 AM
- Wednesday, July 26,1:00 PM
Quarterly NHSN User Group for Hospitals
*Calls are facilitated through TEAMS*
Please contact Sandy Ng for a TEAMS invitation
All sessions are from 10:30 - 11:30 AM
July 11, 2023
October 10, 2023
This is monthly forum for NHSN skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to share and collaborate, improve reporting accuracy, and increase user knowledge.
Please contact Paula Parsons for more information
Calls scheduled 2nd Thursday of the month, 11:00 AM - noon.
Upcoming dates:
July 13, 2023
August 10, 2023
September 14, 2023
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Best Practice Spotlight
Gig Harbor, WA - In the ongoing battle against infectious disease, Cottesmore of Life Care, a leading skilled nursing facility, has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents and staff. With a dedicated team and a comprehensive approach to infection prevention, Cottesmore has become a model for effective infection prevention in long-term care.
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Public reporting of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) aims to incentivize improvement in infection prevention. The motivation and mechanisms of public reporting have raised concerns about the reliability of this data, but little is known about the specific concerns of hospital leaders and staff. This study sought to better understand perspectives of individuals in these roles regarding the identification and public reporting of HAIs.
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 Comagine Health "Flu Fighters" Podcast Now Available
The first three episodes of the Comagine Health-produced "Flu Fighters" podcast are now available online. Hear public health experts answer common questions about the flu and vaccination best practices. Listen on Apple, Google or Spotify.
Prepare for your Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP)
The LTC-CIP Certification provides a standardized measure of the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of professionals working in the field. Successful long-term care infection prevention certification indicates competence in the practice of infection prevention and control within a long-term care setting. Studying for your certification exam with APIC's new Learning System for LTC-CIP ensures you learn everything you need to know.
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection for Infection Prevention in a Dialysis Setting
People on dialysis are at risk for staph bloodstream infections, which can be serious or fatal. Complete the free module to learn how to protect patients from infections in outpatient dialysis settings and receive 0.75 CME.
 CDC HAN Health Update and Travel Health Notice: Outbreak of Suspected Fungal Meningitis Following Surgical Procedures in Matamoros, Mexico
On May 17, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) communication in response to an outbreak of suspected fungal meningitis among U.S. residents after medical/surgical procedures performed under epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico. An associated Travel Health Notice was issued by CDC on May 16, 2023. Healthcare providers should immediately report suspected fungal meningitis cases, including those possibly related to this outbreak, to their state or local health department.
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CDC Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) Guidance
CDC recently issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health departments in the United States about two confirmed outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD)—one in Equatorial Guinea and one in Tanzania. Currently, the risk of MVD in the United States is low; however, clinicians should be aware of the potential for imported cases. It is important to systematically assess patients for the possibility of viral hemorrhagic fevers (including MVD or Ebola disease) through a triage and evaluation process, including a detailed travel history. Early identification of MVD or other viral hemorrhagic fevers is important for providing appropriate and prompt patient care and preventing the spread of infection. Healthcare personnel should follow the same IPC measures as recommended for Ebola disease, including using recommended PPE and limiting the number of personnel who enter the room for clinical evaluation and management.
ATTENTION NURSING HOMES
Although the CMS Nurse Aide 1135 waiver has ended, CMS has asked that we continue to track where we are at with getting NARs trained and tested.
If you completed similar surveys in previous months, please complete this survey again for June. We will compile the information and send updates to CMS on a monthly basis until that requirement is satisfied.
A letter to nursing home administrators is now available online regarding the following topic:
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CMS Updates: The following CMS updates may be of interest to HAI/AR Programs:
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You are subscribed to Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI&AR) Newsletter for Washington State Department of Health. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
 If you aren't already signed up for the Healthcare Associated Infections and Antibiotic Resistance newsletter, please visit the Department of Health's email subscribers page here.
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