Infection control should be part of disaster plan

Guide for for ambulatory care centers on infection prevention during disasters recently released

By Healthcare Facilities Today


A big part of an ambulatory care center's preparation for disasters is to plan how to manage the increased risk for transmission of infectious disease. To assist this effort, the Emergency Preparedness Committee of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) recently released Infection Prevention for Ambulatory Care Centers During Disasters.

Terri Rebmann, PhD, RN, lead author of the guide and Associate Professor at Saint Louis University, College for Public Health and Social Justice - Institute for Biosecurity, often travels around the country speaking to people about the critical importance of planning, finding that most ACCs currently have no infection control plans for disaster, according to an article on MedScape.com. It was clear to Rebmann that guidance must be made widely available to help ACCs, large and small, develop emergency management plans for infection control suited to their unique roles in the community during a disaster.

Medscape spoke with Dr. Rebmann, and guide contributor Mark McCaulley, MD, from Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, about the aims and goals of the guide and how ACCs can take full advantage of these evidence-based recommendations.

Read the article.

 

 



September 30, 2013


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Elevating EVS Professionals: The Case for Certified Hygiene Specialists

Workers cleaning patient rooms are not simply improving appearance. They are reducing bioburden and protecting human health.


Global Handwashing Day and the Importance of Well-Maintained Restrooms

A recent handwashing survey found that Americans value clean restrooms and touchless fixtures.


Duke Health and CaroMont Health Partner to Develop Two New Hospitals

CaroMont Health and Duke Health anticipate a decision by the end of March 2027.


Designing for the Psychology of Waiting

A well-designed waiting room does more than fill time — it eases the patient experience and creates a more functional healthcare environment.


UT Health Sciences Breaks Ground on College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building

Construction is expected to be substantially completed in 2029, with full occupancy by 2030.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.