The HAI Resources and Tools hub provides essential information on preventing and managing Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). Rooted in Core Infection Prevention Practice, the following guidelines and tools ensure a safe environment for patients and healthcare professionals alike.
Topics
Core Infection Prevention Practices
Environmental Cleanings | Hand Hygiene | Injection Safety | Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) | Respiratory Principals | Transmission Based Precautions | Ventilation | Testing | Resources |
Tools by Setting
Adult Family Homes | Ambulatory/Outpatient | Dental | Dialysis | Hospitals | Skilled Nursing Facilities |
Helpful Links
COVID-19 Infection Prevention in Health Care Settings
Core Infection Prevention Practices
The implementation of infection prevention practices is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of both patients and healthcare providers. Core Infection Prevention Practices serve as the cornerstone in this endeavor, establishing a foundation for maintaining a sterile and secure healthcare environment.
Environmental Cleaning
Regular and thorough cleaning of healthcare environments is crucial in eliminating potential sources of infection. Disinfection protocols for surfaces, equipment, and shared spaces contribute significantly to reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
- CDC Cleaning Procedure Summaries for General Patient Areas
- CDC Cleaning Procedure Summaries for Specialized Patient Areas
- EPA Selected Registered Disinfectants
- CDC How to Read a Disinfectant Label
Hand Hygiene
Proper hand hygiene remains the simplest yet most effective measure in preventing the spread of infections. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to follow rigorous handwashing protocols, using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers, to minimize the risk of transmitting pathogens.
- CDC Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
- CDC Hang Hygiene Guidance
- CDC Show Me the Science
- CDC Promotional Hand Material
- CDC Handwashing FAQs
Injection Safety
Ensuring the safe administration of injections is vital in preventing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Healthcare providers should use aseptic techniques, dispose of needles properly, and avoid the reuse of needles and syringes.
- CDC Injection Safety
- CDC Background for Providers
- CDC Injection Safety FAQs for Patients
- WHO Injection Safety
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
The appropriate use of PPE, such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, is fundamental in safeguarding against the transmission of infectious agents. Adhering to guidelines on PPE selection and usage ensures that healthcare personnel can provide care while minimizing exposure.
- CDC PPE: Coaching and Training Frontline Healthcare Professionals
- CDC Sequence for Putting on PPE
- WHO What is PPE?
- CDC Use PPE when caring for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19
Respiratory Principals
Understanding how infections can spread through the air is crucial. Following respiratory principles, like wearing masks and practicing good cough etiquette, helps prevent respiratory infections from spreading. Encouraging patients and healthcare workers to practice good respiratory hygiene helps prevent the spread of respiratory infections. This includes covering the mouth and nose with tissues or elbows when coughing or sneezing and proper disposal of tissues.
Testing
Testing for HAIs involves checking for infections that patients may have picked up during their time in a hospital or other healthcare setting. There are a variety of tests for healthcare associated infections.
- CDC Screening in C.auris colonization in healthcare settings
- NYU Health Diagnosing C.diff Infections
- CDC Laboratory Testing MRSA
- CDC Expanded Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for Hard-to-Treat Infections (ExAST)
- CDC Flu Diagnosis and Testing
Transmission Based Precautions
Transmission-Based precautions are the second tier of basic infection control. They are used in addition to Standard Precautions for patients who may be infected or colonized with certain infectious agents. These extra precautions are important and needed to prevent the spread of infections.
Ventilation
Good ventilation is key to reducing the concentration of airborne germs. Ensuring that healthcare spaces have proper airflow helps maintain a healthy environment.
- CDC Ventilation in Buildings
- EPA Clean Air in Buildings Challenge
Resources
Additional resources for infection prevention applicable across all settings, but outside the realm of core practices.
- DOH Targeted Multidrug-resistant Organism (MDRO) Response Toolkit
- DOH Influenza information for Public Health and Healthcare Settings
Tools by Setting
Tailored for the diverse needs of healthcare settings, this section provides essential resources for specific healthcare settings. Each link offers specialized guidance crafted to address the unique challenges faced in these settings. These curated tools aim to empower professionals with precise, practical support, fostering a culture of infection prevention that aligns seamlessly with the specific demands of each healthcare environment.
Explore the resources within this section to access targeted information, enhancing your ability to create and maintain safe, sterile, and healthy environments. From practical guidelines to industry-specific insights, these tools are designed to contribute to the well-being of both healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
Adult Family Homes
- DOH Personal Protective Equipment and Respiratory Safety in Adult Family Homes Toolkit (PDF)
- DOH Standard Precautions Table for Adult Family Homes (PDF)
- DOH Standard Precautions Table for Adult Family Homes (PDF, with QR codes, for print)
Ambulatory/Outpatient
- DOH Resources for Outpatient Clinics
- CMS Memorandum Infection Control Surveyor Worksheet Revisions 2015
- CDC Outpatient Care Guide
- CDC Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings (PDF, fillable checklists)
Dental
- CDC Disinfection & Sterilization Guidelines
- CDC Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care (PDF)
- CDC Infection Prevention Checklist for Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care (PDF)
- CDC Infection Prevention Checklist for Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care (PDF, fillable form)
- CDC Oral Health in Healthcare Settings to Prevent Pneumonia Toolkit
- ADA Dental Unit Water Lines
- FDA Dental Unit Waterlines
- DOH Resources for Dental Clinics
- CDC The Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship
- DOH Dental Infection Control
- CDC Steps for Evaluating an Infection Control Breach
Dialysis
Hospitals
- ACS Checklist References
- CDC Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements
- CDC Hospital Toolkit for Adult Sepsis Surveillance
Skilled Nursing Facilities
- CDC Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes
- CDC LTC Respiratory Surveillance Line List and Surveillance Outbreak Summary
Contact Us
For more information, please contact HAI@doh.wa.gov.