Annual Refresher R02

Infection Control
Refresher

Annual Refresher Training

What You'll Review

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate knowledge of current hand hygiene standards
Apply updated PPE guidance for common home care scenarios
Identify and respond correctly to infectious disease concerns
Recall bloodborne pathogen exposure response steps
Apply the current staff illness exclusion criteria

The Reality

Habits Can Slip

Infection control is the area where experienced caregivers are most likely to develop shortcuts.

Over time, frequent hand hygiene can be rationalized away: "I just washed them," "I only touched the counter."

Studies show hand hygiene compliance rates drop significantly after the first few months of employment.

The Standard

WHO 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene

Before touching a patient
Before a clean/aseptic procedure
After body fluid exposure risk
After touching a patient
After touching patient's environment

High-risk moments often skipped: after touching bedding, before food prep, after removing PPE, after coughing/sneezing.

Critical Update

MDRO Update

Multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) include MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile.

Check the care plan for known MDRO status. If unsure, ask your supervisor
C. diff requires soap and water ONLY — alcohol-based products do not kill spores
MRSA on intact skin does not require gown unless wound/body fluid contact expected
Document any suspected MDRO indicators: new diarrhea, wound drainage changes, unusual odors
Report any suspected indicators to your supervisor immediately

Full Review

PPE Donning Sequence

Proper donning order prevents contamination before you even begin care.

Gown — Secure at neck and waist
Mask/Respirator — Fit snugly over nose and mouth; perform fit check for N95
Eye protection — Goggles or face shield
Gloves last — Extend over gown cuffs to create a seal

Donning is the reverse of doffing. Gloves go on last and come off first.

Most Common Error

PPE Doffing — The Danger Zone

The single most common PPE error is improper doffing. Contamination occurs at glove removal.

Peel first glove inside-out
Use gloved hand to peel second glove inside-out, enclosing the first
Never touch the outer surface of used gloves with bare hands
Hand hygiene immediately after

Respiratory Precautions

Respiratory Illness & TB Screening

Respiratory Illness in the Home

COVID-19, influenza, RSV, pneumonia require droplet precautions
Minimum: surgical mask, eye protection, gloves
Discuss N95 requirements with supervisor if aerosol-generating procedures may occur

Annual TB Screening

All employees must complete annual TB screening (TST or IGRA)
Positive result requires chest X-ray before continuing patient contact
Compliance is tracked and required for continued employment

What Would You Do?

Scenario

Situation

After months on the same case, Rachel no longer consistently dons gloves for perineal care. "I've been doing this for a year, Mrs. L trusts me, she doesn't have any infections." One month later, Mrs. L develops a UTI.

A) This is acceptable — Rachel knows her patient well
B) Gloves are only needed for patients with documented infections
C) Standard Precautions apply to ALL patients, ALL the time — familiarity is the enemy of compliance
D) Gloves should only be required for new patients

Correct Answer: C

Familiarity Is the Enemy of Compliance

CAUTI (catheter-associated UTI) is one of the most preventable healthcare-associated infections.

Consistent glove use during perineal care is always required
Standard Precautions apply regardless of how long you've worked with a patient
The patients you know best are where shortcuts are most likely
Commit to standard technique on every single visit

Summary

Key Takeaways

Hand hygiene compliance drops over time — recommit to the WHO 5 Moments
C. diff = soap and water only — alcohol does not kill spores
Glove removal is the #1 point of self-contamination
Standard Precautions apply to all patients, all the time
Complete your annual TB screening — it's required for continued employment
Familiarity breeds shortcuts — the longer you know a patient, the more vigilant you must be

Annual Refresher R02 Complete