170 likes | 290 Views
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS. Linda McKinley, BSN, MPH, CIC Infection Control Practitioner Wm. S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital. Medical Camp Kenya. Home visits Kenya. Kibera slum Nairobi. Infection Control Nurses Chapter Nairobi, Kenya. Infection Control Going Global?.
E N D
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Linda McKinley, BSN, MPH, CIC Infection Control Practitioner Wm. S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital
International Committee ResponsibilitiesThe International Committee is responsible for promoting international infection control and infectious disease epidemiological awareness among APIC MN members. Members of the committee keep appraised of world health issues and practices as they relate to infection control. The committee and APIC MN members collaborate with other countries to support humanitarian efforts of its members and other world Infection Control organizations seeking assistance with infection control knowledge and practices.
Collaborative Basic Infection Control in Budapest, Hungary . (AJIC 2004; 32: E127-E128) ISSUE: The APIC Minnesota chapter (APIC-MN) and Hungarian Association of Practitioners in Infection Control (HAPIC) have had a sister chapter relationship for 5 years. During exchange programs, a need was expressed by members of HAPIC for assistance in developing and offering a model infection control educational program. PROJECT: Members of APIC-MN International Committee developed educational materials including PowerPoint programs on basic aspects of infection control, including epidemiology, microbiology, surveillance, and the four major nosocomial issues: surgical sites, respiratory, vascular, and urinary tract infections. These modules were sent to our colleagues in Hungary for assessment of applicability to Hungarian practice. Preceding the October 2003 course in Budapest, the Hungarian and U.S. faculty reviewed materials and educational methods to be used. Following the course, faculty reviewed student evaluations, performed an assessment of teaching techniques and materials, and began preliminary plans for the next expanded course. Using materials from APIC-MN, the course was taught by five Hungarian ICPs and an APIC-MN ICP with a translator. The six registrants, from several facilities with varying levels of expertise in infection control, were encouraged to ask questions and to participate in group discussions. RESULTS: Six ICPs from Hungary may implement and practice contemporary infection control methods in their facilities. The Hungarian members of the faculty developed further expertise in education and were encouraged to continue offering courses. LESSONS LEARNED: Building relationships are critical to the success of collaborative ventures. Reviewing and using adult learning theories increases instructor and student learning. This project emphasized our common values to improve patient safety and meet the same standards of infection control.
Building Bridges to International Infection Prevention (APIC News 2007; 26:41) • APIC International Steering Committee is partnering with international colleagues (WHO, JC International, and IFIC). • Expanding international attendees at APIC annual conferences. • In 2007 APIC launched its first annual Infection Colleague Exchange Program (ICEP)
APICInternational Colleague Exchange Program 2008 What is the International Colleague Exchange Program? In 2007, APIC launched its very first International Colleague Exchange Program. The program gives Infection Control Professionals from around the world the chance to connect with one another, to observe their profession in a foreign context, and to rethink their approach to infection prevention based on their experiences abroad. What is the purpose of the program? The purpose of the exchange is to learn about how infection prevention and control is practiced in another country in light of the social, economic, political, and cultural circumstances particular to that region. The goal is to foster relationships between ICPs and encourage them to share ideas, experiences, and resources that will challenge them professionally and ultimately improve the effectiveness of infection prevention efforts globally. What happens? During the program, an APIC member and an international infection prevention and control colleague will travel to one another’s countries and hospitals for approximately ten days to observe the infection prevention and control programs that are in place there. Colleagues will stay in one another’s homes during their visit. APIC will then send them to the APIC 2008 Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado where they will give a brief presentation on their experiences. All travel expenses including airfare, meals, and Denver hotel accommodations will be paid for by APIC
SHEA • SHEA External Affairs Committee- This committee is tasked with organizing SHEA courses held by allied societies in the US and abroad. Paul A. Tambyah, MD, Chair • SHEA International Councilor- Paul Ananth Tambyah, MBBSNational University of Singapore • 2008 SHEA Conference “Making a Difference in Infection Control: Scaling Up From Local to Global” Dr. Didier Pittet University of Geneva Hospitals
Blood Safety “Clean Products” Injection and Immunization Safety “Clean Equipment” Safe Clinical Procedures “Clean Practices” Safe Water and Sanitation “Clean Environment” Hand Hygiene “Clean Hands” Clean Care is Safer Care
Our Vision Every nation has a functioning infection control organization Our Mission To provide the essential tools, education materials and communication that unite the existing Infection Control societies and foster development of Infection Control organizations where they are needed.
Barriers to Implementation of Infection Control Guidelines in Resource Limited Settings (AJIC 2007;35:494-500) • Poor physical environment (sinks) • Unreliable and inappropriate supply of equipment and supplies • Limited microbiologic diagnostic facilities • Lack of healthcare worker knowledge • Budgetary constraints • Poor sterilization capabilities • None or limited infection control programs • Lack of institutional support • Local customs and culture • Other health priorities (nutrition, infant mortality, outbreaks) • Local studies and local expertise underutilized
Strategies to Adapt Available Infection Control Guidelines to Resource Limited Settings(AJIC 2007;35:494-500) • Assess existing situation (interviews, site visits and observation) • Adopt flexible approach to implement or reinvigorate infection control programs • Institute a broadly representative infection control committee with strong leadership support • Appoint and train dedicated HCWs to become ICPs • Establish surveillance mechanisms where indicated, focusing on high-risk areas • In collaboration with local HCWs, review and modify available guidance (e.g., CDC) to suit local conditions, practice and resources, using low-tech, low-cost approach.
WHO and CDC "Infection Control for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers In the African Health Care Setting" Supplies- If a recommended item is not available, or if the quantity is limited, make a substitute item from available materials. For example, the manual recommends using plastic sheeting to cover mattresses. If plastic sheeting is not available, use plastic cloth normally used to cover kitchen tables. This is usually available in the local market. Disinfection- Ordinary household bleach, soap and water are useful disinfectants against viruses causing VHF. They are low in cost and commonly available. PPE- • If the supply of gloves is limited, wear one pair of gloves. Disinfect them after each contact with the VHF patient. If gloves are not available, use plastic bags to cover the hands. If nothing is available to serve as a glove or hand covering, make sure health facility staff wash their hands with soap and water immediately • If surgical masks are not available, use cotton masks made from four or five layers of cotton cloth sewn together • When the supply of disposable gowns is limited, wear a cotton surgical gown that can be washed and reused. If the supply of cotton surgical gowns is limited, make additional gowns from local cotton fabric. • Wear a plastic apron over the outer gown. When a supply of commercial plastic aprons is not available, make aprons from plastic sheeting, rubber, or plastic cloth normally used to cover kitchen tables. • If boots are not available, wear two layers of plastic bags.
Badger APICPARTNERSHIPNairobi APIC Jambo (“hello” or “greetings” in Swahili) Please help Badger APIC support our sister chapter in Nairobi, Kenya by donating Infection Control-related educational materials. Asante Sana (“thank you very much”)