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Discussion Question: This reading discusses low compliance with IPAC practices by healthcare providers. Have you always followed IPAC practices in your workplace? What would you recommend at your current or a former workplace to ensure or increase compliance with IPAC practices?

[Shivam]

As a new RPN, I make it a priority to consistently follow IPAC practices, including proper hand hygiene, donning and doffing PPE correctly, and disinfecting equipment between patients. I also take acute changes in behaviours, such as increased confusion in elderly patients, very seriously, as this can sometimes indicate an underlying infection like a urinary tract infection.

To increase IPAC compliance at my workplace, I would recommend several strategies:

1. Ongoing education and refreshers on IPAC protocols to ensure all staff are up to date.

2. Visual reminders such as posters and signage near sinks, hand sanitizer stations, and equipment areas.

3. Easy access to supplies like gloves, masks, and disinfectants to reduce barriers to compliance.

4. Regular audits and feedback to monitor adherence and reinforce correct practices.

5. Dedicated cleaning staff : – I would even recommend creating a new role, such as an IPAC Environmental Specialist, whose responsibility is to actively clean and disinfect high-touch areas throughout the facility. This would include hallways, nursing stations, resident rooms, private washrooms, staff break rooms, and other common areas. Having someone focused solely on this ensures consistent environmental hygiene and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

By combining education, accessibility, monitoring, leadership support, and dedicated environmental cleaning, compliance with IPAC practices can become a routine part of patient care, helping to protect both staff and patients from preventable infections.

[Kiranjit]

I attempt to follow IPAC policies regularly, although I understand that hectic shifts or unforeseen events might make compliance difficult at times. To promote compliance, I would suggest more frequent refresher training, visual reminders, and convenient access to PPE and hand hygiene stations. Regular audits with positive feedback can also help employees stay responsible. Creating a culture that prioritizes safety makes it easy for everyone to follow IPAC guidelines.

[Author]

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