Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. staff behavior, motivation and barriers. We monitor emerging issues like antibiotic-resistant bacteria and implement appropriate strategies by looking to scientific literature, evidence-based guidelines and IPC experts. We take into account new research, standards and evolving discussions from organizations and agencies such as the CDC, APIC, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), the Infectious Disease Society of America and the Accreditations Agencies. An effective infection prevention and control program plays a critical role in the safety, efficiency and overall success of any health care institution. Taking basic steps, our Agency ensure that appropriate infection prevention and control protocols are instituted and sustained and using best practices will benefit patients and staff. GOALS TO MINIMIZE THE POSSIBILITY OF SPREADING INFECTIONS 1) Addressing prioritized risks: Our Agency will have full control of prioritized risk infection trough data collection, geographic area covered and particularities of our community, input received from our staff, and resolutions discussed in the Infection Control Committee annual meeting. 2) Limiting unprotected exposure to pathogens: educate our staff to use all PPE needed according patient care plan and exposure control (see Bloodborne Pathogens Plan/Manual). 3) Limiting spread of infections associated with procedures: educate our staff to follow all Agency’s Infection Control, Universal and standards precautions (see following policy) 4) Limiting the spread of infections associated with the use of medical equipment, devices, and supplies. (See following policy) 5) Improving compliance with hand hygiene guidelines: training, evaluation, supervision, data collection will be implemented to reach the goals of handwashing and hand hygiene compliance. (See Hand hygiene Improvement Plan) To comply with the Goals to reduce the risk of infection our patients/caregiver are encouraged to follow these steps : . Wash hands before and after each patient contact or procedure. · Always wear gloves when handling blood or body fluids, or when in contact with mucous membranes or open cuts. · Any caregiver with an open cut or other skin condition should not care for the patient. · Never re-cap needles. Always dispose of needles in a safety container. · Use only disposable razors for shaving. · No one else should use the patient's thermometer. · Wash dirty dishes in detergent and hot water right away. · Avoid contact with anyone who has a cold or infectious disease. If your caregiver has cold or flu symptoms, he/she should wear a mask. · Daily personal cleanliness is very important. · Keep soiled sheets, towels and clothing in a container lined with a plastic bag until laundered. Laundry should be done in hot water. · Change dressing and do catheter care on schedule as directed by your physician or nurse. · Limit contact with pets. · Wash surfaces or equipment, contaminated with blood or other body fluids, with a solution of detergent, water and diluted household bleach (10 parts water to 1 part bleach). · Throw out patient's leftover portions of food right away. Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-91