The action plan, an update of the original 2009 version, outlines three unmet needs regarding HAI prevention in ASCs:
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1. The need for proactive HAI prevention at the clinic level.
2. The need to sustain and expand improvements in oversight and monitoring.
3. The need to develop meaningful HAI surveillance and reporting procedures.
The action plan also lists seven key focus areas for HAI prevention in ASCs:
• Engaging stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and promote a culture of safety.
• Identifying needs and opportunities for HAI reduction through improvements in the process of care within ASCs.
• Disseminating evidence-based guidelines and training for infection control and prevention in ambulatory settings.
• Improving and expanding process measures while focusing on specific procedures for application across setting types.
• Expanding current knowledge of surveillance through research to include ASC-specific measures and associated strategies for outcome measurement.
• Expanding the utility of broad financial incentives to encourage the use of beneficial interventions.
• Extending HAI prevention actions developed for ASCs to other outpatient surgery venues.
HHS will choose specific quality measures for ASCs to monitor by Dec. 31, according to the action plan.
More Articles on HAIs:
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