[John-paul]

Reflection question: This reading discusses low compliance with IPAC practices by health care 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?

[Mauei Caela]

This particular question is always challenging for me to answer, as I do not have a good recommendation on how to increase compliance with IPAC practices. I have always adhered to IPAC practices, particularly when I joined as a new graduate nurse during the pandemic. I truly value hand hygiene, PPE, and adherence to patient precautions for patients, staff, family, and my health. The only time I had to be non-compliant was when we had to reuse our gowns for each patient we were assigned to, due to insufficient gowns. Something I do wish and spoken with my unit manager about before is our gown types. I have mentioned to her how some of the gowns are very thick and sometimes not even washed and dried well, causing me to have some itchiness. And to prevent itchiness, I would always wear a long-sleeved shirt or jacket so that the gown would not touch my skin directly. It would’ve been nice to have thin and disposable gowns, but I am aware that this is not good for the environment, as it will increase healthcare waste. I am leaning more toward educating staff and patients and reminding them of the importance of IPAC practices.

[Esha]

Hello Mauei Caela,

At my facility, we also utilize reusable grown however, it is made of plastic and can be washed very thoroughly. I find it interesting that your facility uses thick grown that cause skin irritation. I also agree with you on the basis that plastic grown may be harmful to the environment however, for IPAC purposes I believe it is the best option. It can be very easy to clean and store as well. I’m still surprised that such facilities have those types of Personal Protective Equipment.

[Mahnoz]

I have always ensured I comply with IPAC practices in my work environment after risk assessments. I would like to make it a good habit that I continue to do so until this practice comes second nature to me. On top of every benefit that comes with following proper IPAC measures, nurses should remember that their licenses are on the line and consequences can have a long term effect not only on their health status but also career wise. Having workshops every so often that reminds the staff this can increase compliance with these measures.

[Mauei Caela]

Hi Mahnoz,

I very much agree with you that having a good habit of complying with IPAC practices will become natural for us in a health care setting. I very much agree that these workshops are very helpful in terms of reinforcing appropriate measures for the staff. I find it difficult to educate some of my co-workers, who are senior to me both in age and experience in the setting, related to proper IPAC measures when they do not do it as required by IPAC. I am very grateful to these leaders who give us their time to educate and reinforce this knowledge, as I do see improvements afterwards.

[Jessica]

I absolutely agree that following IPAC measures is so important. These measures are put into place to protect the public and ourselves from infectious diseases.
This course has been a great refresher on why these measures are in place to the reduce the risks of HAI ( hospital acquired infection)
Jessica

[Melissa]

I absolutely agree that following IPAC measures is so important. These measures are put into place to protect the public and ourselves from infectious diseases. The clinic where I am employed just created the IPAC Lead Role, which I am IPAC Lead. This is a new role for myself as well as the clinic. I learned a lot through ID leads through Public Health with the Measles cases . There is so much to know and stay current on, Continuous education for staff is key.

[Esha]

When it comes to adhering to IPAC standards I usually ensure complete compliance however, there have been situations where I have had to cut through and utilize shortcuts. Before practicing as a Registered Practical Nurse I used to think that IPAC practices were basic and easy to follow but due to understaffed shifts I have realized just how much of a challenge it is. An example that I can think of is not utilizing the proper personal protective equipment. There have been scenes where I have don/doffed PPE incorrectly due to the pressure of time and the high turnover rate at my facility. I understand that improper PPE can lead to cross-contamination however, during stressful times It has completely gone over my head. I often forget that wearing rings or even nail polish can also harbor bacteria. To ensure an increase in compliance with IPAC practices I would recommend regular training courses to ensure ongoing education but also to refresh staff with IPAC practices. Just like how CPR training is performed annually, I believe IPAC refresher courses should also be required. I also believe that the reporting system may need to be changed to report staff or to report concerns. In allowing staff to feel safe and comfortable to report themselves or even others I think that the reporting system should be more welcoming.

[Rebecca]

I also think that IPAC refresher course is a great idea. The longer that we practice nursing I feel that we pick up bad habits. I remember as a new graduate that I would never go into a patient’s room without proper PPE. But as time passes and the reality of how busying nursing is corners do get cut.

[Jessica]

I have not always followed my agencies IPAC guidelines.
An example would be on a night shift while completing my rounds and not using for PPE for contact Precaution .
On night rounds I would sneak into a patient’s room while they were sleeping to do a quick visual assessment and may not don all the required PPE. I have been reminded after reading the article from this weeks reading of the impact that HAI ( Hospital Acquired Infection ) have on our health care system and how it affects patient outcomes.
I would like to work with my centre to update our posters around ABHR dispensers to help with proper use of hand hygiene to help promote proper use for staff and public.
Jessica

[Mahnoz]

HI Jessica, I think your idea of hanging up updated posters can be a great form of getting hospital staff to comply with IPAC measures. Most people are visual learners and seeing the same poster over and over will stick to a person’s memory thereby increasing the chances they will actually comply. By having these posters around the floors we can hold each other accountable.

[Rebecca]

I have not always adhered to IPAC guidelines in past workplaces.
I have also gone into droplet contact rooms especially on night shift to a check on patients or do assessments.
When I was a newly graduated nurse I followed the guidelines to a “T”. The more busy I got complacent. As nurses we are so many tasks that we need to finish by the end our shifts. We must remember that for the health and safety for ourselves, clients and co-workers that we follow all contact precautions.

A yearly review of why it is important to follow the proper IPAC procedures would be helpful. As well as encouraging our co-workers to follow the guidelines as well. Especially newly graduated nurse.

[Megan]

I have not always followed the IPAC guidelines, especially in emergency situations. Throughout the pandemic, learning how critical and important the utilization of the PPE and adherence of the iPAC is during the spread of a virus, i ensured the safety of my patients was not only the most important thing but also myself and my family. Ensuring no matter what the situation was, I continued to ensure I was wearing my PPE at all times.
The encouragement to my fellow co-workers of ensuring their safety of wearing their PPE at all times as well was important. I feel that a yearly review of the importance of PPE and IPAC is also a need for each organization is important for the safety of everyone.

[Melissa]

I have quickly learned that most staff understand the importance and follow IPAC protocol and guidelines, consistent infection control can be challenging especially during any outbreaks I.E COVID and recent Measles.
I do try my best to model proper IPAC practices myself, but there have been times I have not, such as hand hygiene and PPE use. This is usually due to time and being busy.
To increase compliance in clinic I would recommend:

1. Point- of – Care Risk Assessments
2. Clear visual reminders
3. Easy access to PPE
4. Dedicated isolation protocols
5. Pre -screening and triage
6. Team huddles/meetings
7. Vaccination Status
By having routine practices in place, I think this would make IPAC easier to follow, to protect staff and patients during high -risk times.

[Author]

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