Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

Description:

POSITION PURPOSE

Participates in the development, implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of the surveillance, prevention and control of infection (SPCI) program for the Health System.  Major goals of the program which the IPCS supports include 1) Surveillance for health care-associated infections (HAIs) as a basis for identifying significant risks, analysis of this data, and develop appropriate response to improve performance, 2) integration of infection prevention in the System’s patient safety & performance improvement programs, 3) risk assessment and mitigation of cross transmission of microorganisms, 4) application of epidemiologic principles to reduce and prevent health care-associated infections (HAIs), 5) implementation of infection prevention & control processes – including the environment of care, 6) education and collaboration with organizational leadership, care providers, and support personnel on their roles and responsibilities for infection prevention, 7) liaison with community partners external to the System, and 8) planning and preparedness for response to emerging diseases and infectious disease emergencies

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Epidemiologic Methods

Utilize computer-based software, electronic information systems, potential error reporting systems, etc., to assist with identification of HAIs or identify other possible safety problems. Design, collect, analyze, manage and report findings from surveillance to appropriate personnel and departments to lower frequency and ultimately prevent HAIs.  The scope of this activity should encompass all facilities and health services to include but not limited to ambulatory care, employed physician practices, and Home Care & Hospice. Apply findings from surveillance to assess effectiveness of the SPCI & Patient Safety Programs and measure the impact of infection prevention and related performance improvement initiatives. Investigate, report and respond to increasing frequency, clusters, sentinel events, or outbreaks of HAI(s) and other communicable diseases.

Education, Training & Consultation for Healthcare Personnel, Patients & Visitors:

Develops and conducts education programs and other information including but not limited to printed and electronic involving prevention of infection. Specific education includes but is not limited to orientation to infection prevention & control, aseptic technique, standard & transmission-based precautions, immunization, sharps injury prevention, hand hygiene, and equipment and environmental cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. Apply critical thinking skills, risk assessment, and scientific evidence to enhance infection prevention and patient care practices.

Performance Improvement, Communications, & Representation:

Develops, reviews, evaluates, implements and revises System policies, procedures, and work practices that are consistent with scientific evidence and/or guidelines – as applicable- and which are based on risk assessment for the System and overall goals of the SPCI program. Assures integration and collaboration of infection prevention with the System’s overall patient safety / performance improvement program. Provide consultation and or education for healthcare personnel on potential and identified infection control problems. Distribute findings from surveillance and other activities, policies/procedures, guidelines, etc. and make recommendations to appropriate individuals, committees, departments, and units Provide consultation to organizational leadership, risk management, other committees, and department leadership on issues relating to infection prevention and control Serve on committees, collaborative quality improvement practice teams, etc., such as Patient Safety Leadership, Practice Councils, and System Safety to facilitate communication and integration of infection prevention and control practices. Advises System on acquisition, safe and effective use of patient care products and equipment. Participates in notification and response to product recalls, public health advisories, and other issues related to diseases or possible infection control problems in the community served.

Regulatory, Accreditation, Licensing, and Public Health Support Functions:

Facilitates reports of communicable diseases and other conditions to public health agencies and serves as a liaison to public health on behalf of the System. Serves as liaison and support activities of external organizations such as local and state public health, and regional and local emergency preparedness agencies. Support adherence by personnel and facilities with regulatory, licensure and accreditation requirements invo