Addressing the unique challenges of infection prevention and control in assisted living facilities is critical given the distinct environment they operate in. To this end, a collaborative initiative between The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and Argentum, a leading consortium for senior living communities, has come to fruition. Together, they have conceived an educational course tailored to frontline healthcare professionals working in assisted living communities to enhance their skills in infection prevention and control (IPC).
The course, ‘Infection Prevention and Control Essentials for Assisted Living’, is structured into four comprehensive modules. The initial module provides fundamental knowledge about IPC, encompassing critical lessons on hand hygiene, the strategic use of personal protective equipment, respiratory etiquette, sharps safety, environmental considerations, as well as cleaning/disinfection practices and food safety. The subsequent module revolves around transmission-based precautions, helping healthcare professionals identify and manage various infections and conditions within the assisted living milieu. The latter half of the course intensifies focus on the particular care considerations and infection risks relevant to senior residents within these communities. The fourth and final module provides a blueprint for establishing and leading an effective infection prevention and control program tailored to the assisted living context.
Dr. Deb Burdsall, a key contributor to the course development, underscored the vital importance of good hygiene practices, protection of the respiratory system, attention to early signs of infection, and monitoring the spread and nature of illnesses in these environments. Emphasizing the community-centric nature of infection prevention in such settings, Dr. Burdsall highlighted the pivotal role residents, their families, and facility staff play in preventing infections and routinely monitoring health conditions.
Access to this comprehensive course, recommended for all medical professionals, is available through the APIC or Argentum websites.
Alongside this, recent updates in the health sector were announced, including the launch of a new Sepsis Guide by CDC for hospitals, FDA announcements on additional eye drops warnings, strategies for preventing Vascular Access-Related Blood Stream Infections in hemodialysis patients, guidelines to prevent stinging pests in healthcare facilities, and a breakthrough Maternal Vaccine by Pfizer aimed at Preventing RSV in Infants.
Additionally, Eagle Pharmaceuticals has initiated Phase 2 Study for its promising anti-toxin drug CAL02 intended for severe community-acquired bacterial pneumonia treatment.
Source: https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/apic-and-argentum-offers-new-courses-infection-control-assisted-living