The need for increased infection control in animal clinics is equally as important as it is in human hospitals. In addition to protecting patients, managing infection possibilities also protects staff and doctors. Animal health pros can learn from the discussion about the results of infection control management in human hospitals to identify areas that need improvement in animal clinics.
The Centers for Disease Control recently released the “2017 National and State Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Progress Report.” It shows all device-associated and MDRO [multidrug-resistant organism] metrics improved from 2016 to 2017.
This is not a one and done proposition. Genuinely embracing a culture of safety and making your institution a high-reliability organization are critical in the journey towards reducing HAIs and improving the safety of patients.”
Source: Repertoire, June 2019. Link. The biggest barriers to implementing and complying with <infection control> processes include limited infection prevention resources and competing issues that face the hospital.
Successful health systems support collaborative environments among care partners, monitor leading measures, and respond to infection prevention risks with calculated and evidence-based interventions.”
INSIGHTS: Note the comment about infection control being a team sport. Animal health care teams need to include clinic staff PLUS animal owners. And don’t forget to use proactive involvement from salespersons who have access to a broad set of options and experiences in similar clinic situations.