Relias Media outlined 11 essential components of a successful ASC infection control program.
Infection Control Consulting Services President Phenelle Segal, RN, shared key insights::
1. Create an annual infection control and prevention plan. ASCs should create a program that addresses performance indicators, program objectives and reporting and surveillance measures.
2. Develop an annual facility risk assessment. Risk assessments should include infection control priorities, as well as an overview of the ASC's infection control program. The risk assessment should also include details such as the ASC's geographic location and the community it serves.
3. Compile written goals and objectives. Setting goals and objectives based off of past inadequacies can help ASCs determine what they should focus on and improve in the future.
4. Align infection control policies with quality improvement initiatives. Integrating an ASC's infection prevention program with quality improvement initiatives can help identify the risks facing the center.
5. Assign infection control responsibilities. Staff should be evaluated on infection prevention practices and competencies yearly or more often, as needed.
6. Educate staff. Brushing staff up on infection prevention measures online or through inservices ensures they're up to date with current standards.
7. Adhere to national guidelines and standards. Infection control standards developed by accrediting organizations should be followed and adopted at ASCs.
8. Monitor prevention practices. Infection prevention staff should monitor clinicians' hand hygiene techniques and medical devices reprocessing.
9. Keep track of outbreaks. ASC infection control staff should be familiar with identifying surgical site or procedure-related infections.
10. Perform root cause analyses. ASC infection control staff should be familiar with how to conduct a root cause analysis to identify the source of infections.
11. Appropriate use of isolation precautions. An ASC's infection control staff must implement and monitor appropriate use of isolation precautions.