Author: Chelsea Song

Educational Module: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to protect both the wearer and those around us. PPE includes: gloves, gowns, lab coats, face shields, masks, eye protection, and respirators. PPE may be used alone or in combination. Individuals wear PPE as a way to protect mucous membranes, skin, and clothing from contact with infectious agents or other hazards such as chemicals used in cleaning and disinfection (see chemical manufacturer’s recommendations for specific type of PPE). The selection of PPE is based on the nature of the patient/chemical contact and likely mode of transmission of the organism(s) involved. This module is intended to teach about the various types of PPE, as well as when and how to use them. The use of simulations throughout this presentation…

Educational Module: Hand Hygiene Hand hygiene serves as one the best methods for reducing the spread of infection. Simulated experiences in this presentation illustrate how our hands can spread pathogens and how hand hygiene reduces pathogen transmission. Elements of aseptic technique are reviewed and contrasted against clean technique.At the end of this module, participants will be able to:Identify methods of pathogen transmission by the hands of healthcare workers. Demonstrate opportunities to prevent pathogen transmission by appropriate hand hygiene practices.Review elements of aseptic technique important in prevention of transmission of pathogens.Differentiate between clean and aseptic technique.The Kentucky Infection Prevention (KyIP) Training Center, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has developed the following content. As a collaborator with the CDC’s Project Firstline, KyIP Training Center is committed to providing cutting-edge and high-quality training and information…

Educational Module: Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) Learn the importance of CAUTI prevention through these immersive activities on insertion with sterile technique and identifying possible sources of contamination. This presentation will train the eye to connect common errors to infection risks. Practice these simulated experiences to enrich you facility with knowledge to drive down CAUTI rates.At the end of this module, participants will be able to:Review elements of aseptic technique important in the prevention of transmission of uropathogensDemonstrate opportunities to prevent pathogen transmission by appropriate aseptic techniqueDescribe circumstances appropriate for the use of indwelling urinary cathetersDescribe alternatives to indwelling urinary cathetersDemonstrate indwelling catheter maintenance guidelines in order to prevent pathogen transmissionThe Kentucky Infection Prevention (KyIP) Training Center, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has developed the following content. As a collaborator with…

Educational Module: Cleaning and Disinfection of Medical Devices Cleaning and disinfecting medical devices that are not disposable is part of everyday care. Learn how reusable medical equipment impacts pathogen transmission, and review the types of disinfectants used to prevent this transmission. The Spaulding Classification is used as a guide in this session as we apply knowledge into practice minimizing the risk of pathogen transfer.At the end of this Skill Station, participants will be able to:Define the role of reusable medical equipment in pathogen transmissionReview types of low- and intermediate-level disinfectants used in healthcare settingsIntroduce the Spaulding Classification as a guide for use of disinfection approaches relevant to reusable medical equipmentApply knowledge in practice to minimize risk associated with pathogen transmission and reusable medical equipmentThe Kentucky Infection Prevention (KyIP) Training Center,…

Educational Module: Blood Cultures Reducing the number of blood culture contaminations is a goal for the majority of healthcare systems. By focusing on likely moments when contamination might occur, these simulated experiences demonstrate best practices to prevent said contamination. From skin antisepsis, to scrubbing the rubber diaphragm this module is sure to leave an impression. At the end of this module, you should be able to: Define what a blood culture is and how it is used for diagnostic and treatment planning. Recognize the impact of blood culture contamination on patients and the healthcare system as a whole. Analyze the relationship between blood culture contamination and antibiotic stewardship. Apply actions that will prevent blood culture contamination. Demonstrate proper method for blood culture collection in regards to technique, volume, and timing.…

Educational Module: Chlorhexidine Bathing Utilizing chlorhexidine bathing as infection prevention tool can be beneficial but also confusing. Who gets one, and when? This presentation outlines the purpose of CHG bathing, recommendations for patient selection, and provides simulated activities for an enhanced learning experience sure to fortify your understanding. At the end of this module, participants will be able to:Define the significance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)Discuss the use of chlorhexidine gluconate in healthcare to prevent infectionsDetermine when, where, and on whom chlorhexidine bathing is recommendedAsses the effects of chlorhexidine bathing in the intensive care units (ICUs), patients with devices, and for surgical prepPerform simulated experiences to reinforce the importance of chlorhexidine bathing to prevent infectionsThe Kentucky Infection Prevention (KyIP) Training Center, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has developed the following content. As a…

Educational Module: Standard Precautions The basics of infection prevention starts here. Join in for an enlightening module on seemingly simple activities that make a big impact. Learn the core elements of standard precautions and how to apply those to daily to protect yourself and your patients. Germs invisible to the eye come to light through simulation showing standard precautions are vital.By the end of this module, participants will be able to:Describe the significance of standard precautions in infection prevention.Identify key components for implementing standard precautions.Explore strategies using simulation to overcome challenges in adherence.The Kentucky Infection Prevention (KyIP) Training Center, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has developed the following content. As a collaborator with the CDC’s Project Firstline, KyIP Training Center is committed to providing cutting-edge and high-quality training and information on…

Educational Module: What is the Splash Zone? Discover the critical splash zone around sinks, notorious for contaminated water particles. Vital to keeping patients safe, it's crucial to keep patient care items clear of the splash zone. Water harbors germs, posing risks. Watch our video to see the impact on items in this zone.The Kentucky Infection Prevention (KyIP) Training Center, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has developed the following content. As a collaborator with the CDC’s Project Firstline, KyIP Training Center is committed to providing cutting-edge and high-quality training and information on infection prevention and control. Through a range of formats, KyIP Training Center delivers educational resources tailored to the diverse learning preferences and needs of the healthcare workforce. The materials are designed to empower healthcare professionals by promoting critical thinking in…