Performance indicators include general, MDRO
Performance indicators include general, MDRO
New draft patient isolation guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include the following performance measures:
A. General
1. Monitor appropriateness of expanded precautions initiated at the time of admission based on clinical diagnosis (e.g., bronchiolitis, pertussis, influenza) and appropriateness of time of discontinuation.
2. Periodically audit the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by health care workers when caring for patients on expanded precautions.
3. Periodically assess the appropriate use of single-patient rooms to meet infection control needs. Use this information for future facility planning.
4. Include assessment of staffing levels when ongoing transmission of epidemiologically important pathogens is evaluated.
5. Assess adequacy of supplies of PPE for adherence to recommended standard and expanded precautions.
B. Prevention of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) transmission
1. Develop and implement a plan for periodically monitoring adherence to selected performance indicators (e.g., hand hygiene, proper use of barrier precautions) for MDRO prevention. Provide feedback to personnel regarding their performance.
2. When increased incidence of a target MDRO is observed, monitor selected indicators to identify contributing factors. Implement corrective actions based on findings and monitor results.1
Reference
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthcare Practices Infection Control Advisory Committee (HICPAC). Draft Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings 2004. Atlanta: 2004. Web: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/isoguide.htm.