Topic 4 DQ 2
Risk management programs are essential in addressing infection control as hospital-acquired infections constitute a significant threat to the safety of patients. Separating the infection source from the rest of the hospital and cutting off any transmission route are the two main principles to prevent the spread of infection in a hospital. Another essential component of an infection control program is the detection of multidrug-resistant organisms early to prevent spread (World Health Organization, n.d.).
My facility requires all employees to receive a flu shot unless they have medical reasons preventing it. Those who refuse the injection are placed on the non-compliance list and must wear a mask when entering the building for the entire flu season. In addition to employees requiring visitors who have a cold, cough, or flu-like symptoms to wear a mask keeps everyone safe. Having people wear a mask when they are coughing is one crucial step in stopping the transmission of respiratory pathogens, including influenza (Cowling, Zhou, Ip, Leung, & Aiello, 2010).
Proper hand sanitation is essential in preventing infectious disease spread. My facility has hand sanitizers inside and outside patient rooms but no handwashing station outside rooms. By installing hand washing stations outside the room, we can improve hand sanitization practice. CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands (Bolon, 2016)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), and the Joint Commission (JC) require that health care organizations maintain risk management programs to address infection control. Detail three measures that your health care organization (or any health care organization) could implement, beyond what is currently in practice, to support the delivery of safe health care services and avoid the spread of infection (e.g., placing hand washing devices at all of the public entrances of the health care facility). Support your response with a minimum of two peer-reviewed references.
Using 200-300 words APA format with at least two references. Sources must be published within the last 5 years. There should be a mix between research and your reflections. Add critical thinking in the posts along with research. Apply the material in a substantial way.
