Abstract :
ISSUE: Teaching the principles of infection control to a large number of individuals from various educational backgrounds at a chronic care facility can be difficult. We developed an educational tool to assist the infection control director in this endeavor.
PROJECT: A calendar featuring a monthly infection control topic is used to teach employees. A large calendar is displayed in the employee meeting room, where it was clearly visible to staff. Each calendar month features a osocomial disease/condition historically likely to be present in the facility during that timeframe. Identification numbers from the infection control manual matching the monthly topics are listed as a reference for employees. Lectures and demonstrations are also posted on the calendar, including the times and locations of presentations. Additional educational information, such as leaflets and audiovisual aids, are made available when appropriate. For example: October is pediculosis/head lice/scabies month. Many aspects of the monthly topic are presented, including residential cleaning practices, recognition of symptoms, handling of outerwear, prevention practices, and treatment. Other monthly topics include: influenza, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), aspiration pneumonia, and hand hygiene.
RESULTS: Employee awareness of the infection control topics has improved, as evidenced by an increase in the volume of clients being brought to the infirmary for diagnosis and treatment of the “disease of the month.” In-service educational conferences are well attended; review of institutional policies and procedures have resulted in appropriate modification to those items.
LESSONS LEARNED: The healthcare-associated training calendar is an efficient tool for educating employees at our chronic care facility. Raising awareness of employees to various diseases and infection control procedures should lead to better care of residents.
