Successful IPAC Program

Program Scope

Scope of the IPAC Program depends on:

• Deliverables based on the acuity, complexity and care activities of the organization

• Evidence based practice

• Risk assessment and environmental scan

• Application of policy and procedures across the multi-site organization allowing customization where needed

Education & Engagment

Education & Engagement

• Core competancies
• Hand hygiene
• Risk assessment
• Routine and additional precautions

• Orientation - establish IPAC culture during onboarding

• Inservices and targeted education as per needs assessment;
• Department specific
• Volunteers
• Patients and families

Surveillance

Surveillance

• Surveillance based on population at risk, needs assessment, programs significant to the organization - re-evaluate when needed

• Conduct surveillance for legislated requirements ie: diseases of public health significance

• Data collection, calculation and analysis

• How will surveillance data be used? Communicated?

Hand Hygiene

Hand Hygiene

• Education for staff and patients/families

• Establish hand hygiene working group with variety of stakeholders including patient and family advisors

• Collection of hand hygiene observation data and reporting rates

• Access of ABHR to patients/families

Outbreak Management

• Identify and respond to outbreaks in timely manner

• Maintain close partnership with public health

• Consult with Occupational Health and Safety for staff cases

• Review lessons learned

Outbreak Management

Environmental Cleaning, Disinfection & Sterilization

Environmental Cleaning

Critical for Patient Safety!

• Environmental cleaning and disinfection based on organism

• Laundry and waste handling

• Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of medical devices

Effective Implementation

• Protocols/procedures evidence-based, aligned with organizational priorities and accessible to all

• Protocols/procedures link to action plans with clearly defined accountability for implementation

• Relationship building buy in from stakeholders is key!

• The IPAC program should maintain a high clinical and leadership profile

Implementation Strategies

Culture and Leadership

• Leadership experiences include Team Lead Halton Healthcare and Director, Chapters and Interest Groups IPAC Canada Board of Directors

• Advocate for IPAC programs inside of hospital and larger IPAC landscape

Experience

Collaboration

• Communication and engagement is my priority

• Participation with hospital operation

• Quality improvement projects (Lean certified)

• Change management

• Research projects in collaboration with stakeholders to improve processes
• ie., EVS, midwives, lab

Skills

Research & Education

• Continous learner
• Support professional development of IPAC staff
• Innovation
• Involvement with IPAC Canada networking and community of practice

Attributes

Attributes

Who am I?

• Strong and dedicated leader

• Motivator and mentor

• Relationship builder

• Problem solver

• Dependable

• Innovative

• Results driven