March 8th, 2010
In This Issue:
Surveillance Tool
JCYH - Hand Care
JCYH - Training Update
MMR-Autism Link Debunked
PIDAC Environmental Cleaning Videoconference
SAVE THE DATE
Fifth Decennial Int'nl Conference on Healthcare Associated Infections (SHEA)
March 18-22, 2010
Atlanta, Georgia
Information
PIDAC Environmental Cleaning BP Videoconference and Webcast
March 24th, 2010 (1-3 pm)
Click on the site to register
HHS Hamilton General
HHS Henderson
HHS MUMC
CSICN
Webcast
CPSI's 2nd Annual Canada's Forum on Patient Safety and Q.I.
"Improving Safety Across the Coninuum"
April 12-24, 2010
Toronto, ON
Information
SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands
May 5th, 2010
2nd Annual Global Hand Hygiene Day
Information
AMMI Canada - CACMID Annual Conference
May 6-8, 2010
Edmonton, AB
Information
CHICA-Canada's 2010 National Education Conference:
"Golden Opportunities-Soaring to New Heights"
May 29-June 3, 2010
Vancouver, BC
Information
ONLINE RESOURCE
Inservice On Demand:
Making Routine Practices Routine
WEBBER TRAINING
March 11
MRSA Prevention Basics
March 18
How to Prepare for CIC Certification Without Becoming Certifiable
March 23
Voices of CHICA - Part 1
March 25
Infections in the Elderly
April 1
Microbial Control of Electronic Medical Equipment
April 8
Simple Precautions - Simplifying Infection Control
For the complete 2010 schedule, CLICK HERE.
Thoughts?
Comments?
Suggestions?
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Email: askcsicn@hhsc.ca
Phone: 905-627-3541
Fax: 905-627-6474
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Surveillance Tool for the ICP
The Regional Infection Control Networks have developed a quick reference tool for surveillance activities. Although this is not a new tool, it is undoubtedly a useful one. It contains definitions and calculations for surveillance programs in acute and non-acute health care facilities. This tool was developed in follow-up to the release of the PIDAC Best Practices for Surveillance of Health Care Associated Infections in Patient and Resident Populations. The tool can be found here.
Just Clean Your Hands - Hand Care Program
Health Care Providers (HCPs) will likely clean their hands at least 30 times per shift and one-quarter of them will report symptoms of dermatitis—usually worse in winter months due to decreased humidity. Frequent and repeated use of hand hygiene products, especially soaps/detergents is the primary cause of chronic irritant contact dermatitis. Inflammation of the skin can be either allergic in nature (such as latex allergy) or irritant (wet work). Skin is very susceptible to changes with prolonged moisture contact. Underlying skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis can be exacerbated by frequent hand hygiene.
Intact skin is the best protection against infection for the HCP as well as the best protection to prevent hands from becoming a reservoir for organisms that can be transmitted to patients/residents/clients. It is important to have an organizational Hand Care Program. Ideally this will be done through the occupational health service, although where resources are limited there may need to be some creativity in implementing it. There is a useful Hand Care Self-Assessment Tool in the JCYH package on the MOHLTC website that can be used at the time of hire. Correct technique for hand hygiene, appropriate glove selection, appropriate cleaning products and easy access to moisturizers are all key components of a successful hand care program. Early identification of symptoms of cracking, peeling, dryness, itching, or blisters and appropriate treatment can reduce the severity of dermatitis and hasten return to intact skin. Remember that hand care protection is a 24/7 commitment. Please feel free to use the attached link to Dr. Cividino’s Hand Care Program powerpoint presentation.
JCYH for LTC Training 
CSICN is continuing the roll-out of the JCYH Program for LTC. We will be holding one final introductory session on March 24th from 8:30 AM - 12:00 noon. Click here to register.
We will also be starting the roll-out of Phase II of the training, which will go more in depth on auditing hand hygiene compliance. At these sessions, we will also be hearing about the successes of JCYH "champions" from facilities that have already begun implementation of the program and include opportunities for sharing successes and challenges that you have experienced. Click on the workshop dates below to register:
MMR and Autism Link Debunked: Could the Damage Have Been Prevented? by Dr. Neil Rau
A highly controversial paper published by a prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, in 1998 that linked the measles vaccine with autism has been retracted twelve years after its publication. This decision to retract this paper was based on new revelations regarding the methodology and the ethical conduct of the lead investigator. The controversial study was never corroborated by subsequent studies. The damage to the reputation of the measles vaccine was profound following publication of the controversial study. The impact of the study was greatest in the UK, where MMR uptake rates dropped to as low as 80%. By 2005, mumps was making a comeback in the UK, Iowa and much of Canada saw the resurgence of mumps, particularly in populations with a single-dose vaccine-based immunity (college aged populations). In addition, measles outbreaks have been described in developed countries worldwide, due to ongoing reintroduction of disease from developing countries. The damage of bad science with questionable ethical underpinnings had been done, and will continue to pose a challenge. To see the original article click here.
Thank you to the ESCICN for allowing the use of this article.
Environmental Cleaning Videoconference & Webinar 
PIDAC recently released it's latest best practice document Environmental Cleaning for Prevention and Control of Infections In All Health Care Settings. This document reviews the principles of cleaning and disinfecting environmental surfaces in health care and reviews appropriate practices for cleaning and disinfection in various health care settings. On Wednesday, March 24th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, PIDAC and the OHA will be presenting a videoconference and webcast highlighting key elements of the document. For information about this event and how to participate, click here. |
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