HAI Resources and Tools

The Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Resources and Tools hub provides information on preventing and managing HAIs. Rooted in Core Infection Prevention Practice, the following guidelines and tools ensure a safe environment for patients and healthcare professionals.

Topics

Core Infection Prevention Practices

Environmental Cleaning | Hand Hygiene | Injection Safety | Personal Protective Equipment | Respiratory Protection | Transmission Based Precautions | Ventilation | Testing | Additional Resources 

Tools by Setting

Adult Family Homes | Ambulatory/Outpatient | Dental | Dialysis | Home Health | Hospitals | Skilled Nursing Facilities 

Helpful Links

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 mission, establishing a foundation for maintaining a clean and safe healthcare environment.

CDC Core Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Safe Healthcare Delivery in All Settings

Environmental Cleaning

Regular and thorough cleaning of healthcare environments is necessary in reducing potential sources of infection. Cleaning and disinfection protocols for surfaces, equipment, and shared spaces contribute significantly to reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Hand Hygiene

Proper hand hygiene remains the simplest yet most effective measure in preventing the spread of infections. Healthcare professionals should follow handwashing protocols, using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers, to minimize the risk of transmitting pathogens.

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 not reuse needles and syringes.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The appropriate use of PPE, such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, is fundamental in preventing the transmission of infectious agents. Adhering to guidelines on PPE selection and usage ensures that healthcare personnel can provide care while minimizing exposure.

Healthy Habits when Coughing and Sneezing

The following guidelines, like wearing masks and practicing healthy habits when coughing and sneezing, 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.

Respiratory Protection

In addition to practicing healthy habits when coughing and sneezing, healthcare workers should wear proper respiratory protection (i.e., respirators) when respiratory hazards are present.

Testing

There are a variety of tests for community-associated and healthcare-associated infections, including novel and antimicrobial-resistant organisms.

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 prevent the spread of infections.

Transmission-Based Precautions Signs

Aerosol Contact Precautions

Aerosol Generating Procedure (AGP) Precautions

High-Level Containment Precautions

Airborne Contact Precautions

Airborne Precautions

Contact Precautions

Contact Enteric Precautions

Droplet Precautions

Ventilation

Good ventilation is key to reducing the concentration of airborne germs. Ensuring that healthcare spaces have proper airflow helps maintain a healthy environment.

Additional Resources

Additional resources for infection prevention and control in healthcare settings.

Tools by Setting

Tailored for the diverse needs of healthcare settings, this section provides additional 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 addresses the specific challenges of each healthcare environment.

Explore the resources within this section to access targeted information, enhancing your ability to create and maintain safe, clean, and healthy environments.

Adult Family Homes

Ambulatory/Outpatient

Dental

Dialysis

Home Health

Hospitals

Long-Term Care (LTC) Settings

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Contact Us

For more information, please contact HAI@doh.wa.gov.