M A Y 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 3
Contents
To Our Readers
This year's Manager's Guide to Infection Control touches on proven methods and new ideas for
wiping out the pathogens, bacteria and biofilm that cause SSIs. We explore broad solutions
and targeted approaches, from whole room disinfection to nasal decolonization, that you can use to build on the incredible progress
that has been made to drive down infection rates. Learn from the success stories, pay attention to the expert advice and implement
the best practices to do your part in protecting patients from surgery's unseen enemies. Cover design by Ethan Anderson
o u t p a t i e n t s u r g e r y . n e t
9
4 On Point
Inching Closer to Zero
Sue Barnes, RN, CIC, FAPIC
9 Solving the Surprising Skin Prep Problem
Believe it or not, there's a good chance your staff
isn't complying with proper application protocols.
Helen Johnson, MD
16 Inside Our Zero-Tolerance Policy for SSIs
A team-based approach to implementing
comprehensive protocols has led to a significant
dip in infection rates.
Megan Lamoreux, BSN, RN, CNOR
22 Surgery's Dirty Little Secret
A closer look at why contaminated instruments
continue to turn up in too many ORs.
Joe Paone | Senior Associate Editor
30 A Proactive Approach
To Preventing Hypothermia
Pre-warming was the difference-maker
in our quest to maintain normothermia in
patients from pre-op to PACU.
Amy Yarbrough, BS, BSN, RN, CNOR
36 Speed Up Your Sterile Processing
New technologies and solutions that can help
your hard-working techs turn around instruments
quickly and safely.
Kevin Anderson, BSN, RN, CSSM, CRCST, CER
44 How Should You Manage Fluid Waste?
You have several options to choose from,
but only a few ways to do it safely.
Vangie Dennis, RN, MSN, CNOR, CMLSO
50 Automated Instrument Tracking
Seeks and Finds for You
Take full control of every instrument,
implant and disposable in your inventory.
Daniel Cook | Executive Editor
55 The Case for Cleaner OR Air
We're gaining a better understanding of the
infection risks posed by airborne pathogens —
and how to mitigate them.
Charles Edmiston Jr., PhD, CIC, FIDSA, FSHEA, FAPIC
60 We Succeeded With
Nasal Decolonization
Our protocol is easy to implement,
cost-effective and widely accepted by patients.
Joanne M. Epstein, BSN, RN, CNOR
66 Hold Anesthesia Providers
Accountable in the Battle Against SSIs
Q&A with Silvia Munoz-Price, MD, PhD, infectious
disease specialist and proponent of proper infec-
tion control practices.
Infection Control
M a y 2 0 1 9
