Healthcare associated infections can lead to added costs, a loss of reputation and regulatory scrutiny, according to Westchester, Ill.-based Regent Surgical Health.
Regent Surgical Health outlined five policies ASCs should adhere to when developing an infection control program on their blog:
1. Specific procedures like sterile processing for instrument care should be in place. Surgical tools such as scopes should be inspected and verified for disinfection after cleaning. Policies should be specific about the product, documentation and procedures for specific pieces of equipment.
2. Communicable diseases from patients who may bring them into facilities is another facet to take into consideration when developing an infection control policy.
3. Facility sanitation policies such as the procedure for cleaning operating rooms between procedures and cleaning at the end of the day should be included in an ASC's infection control policy.
4. Preventing surgical site infections and the spread of communicable disease are two major focuses of any infection control program. Monitoring of hand washing for patients and staff are also important.
5. Monitoring healthcare associated infections and having facility-wide audits of infection control practices can help ASC staff identify room for improvement.
