A More Complete Approach to Infection Prevention

Studies prove that soft surface fabrics are “fomites,” that can harbor bacteria. However, these are often ignored by today’s infection prevention protocols. Soft surface fabrics such as privacy curtains, uniforms/scrubs, bed linens and lab coats make up 90 percent of a patient's contact environment when in a Health Care setting. Because of the frequency of contamination, laundering alone is insufficient and does not reduce cross contamination while in use. Infection control experts agree that cleaner hospitals are safer hospitals. But, while hand washing and disinfecting hard surfaces like countertops, floors and bed rails help reduce infection rates; their effectiveness is limited without completely breaking the chain of infection.

Peggy Prinz Luebbert will lead a clinical review of key findings from current data on contamination of soft surface fabrics. An overview of clinical data, the limited guidelines and lack of standardized protocols and the ineffectiveness of laundering alone, will underscore the need for a better solution. The most effective solution being one that doesn't require behavior modification or training.

At the end of this presentation you will have learned:

• What are soft surface fabrics in the healthcare setting and why are they important for infection prevention?
• What clinical data and current guidelines exist for soft surface fabrics?
• What antimicrobial solutions are available for soft surface fabrics?
• How does a silver impregnated fabric kill bacteria?

Eligible for 1.0 contact hour(s) of continuing education

**This activity is provided by Infection Control Today, a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 15619, for 1 contact hour of continuing education.

Peggy Prinz Luebbert MS, MT(ASCP), CIC

Peggy Prinz Luebbert is certified in infection control, healthcare safety and as a clinical laboratory specialist. She founded Healthcare Interventions in 2007 and through this has assisted multiple facilities and organizations in improving their risk reduction strategies in infection prevention, safety, risk management and emergency preparedness. In her 25 years in healthcare, Peg has practiced in a variety of settings including large healthcare corporations, community hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, rehab and long term care settings as the infection preventionist, safety officer and/or risk manager.

Peg has participated in developing evidence-based guidelines that are used on a national level including CLSI’s Standards on Bloodborne Pathogens, Medical Device Hazards/Recalls and Management of Medical Waste. She has held multiple elected positions in her professional organizations of APIC, ASCLs and the Greater Omaha Safety Council. She has twice served as president of the Greater Omaha APIC chapter. In 2006, she was the recipient of national APIC’s Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to this organization. Peg is currently serving on the state wide HAI Advisory Council which is developing an HAI prevention program infrastructure for the state of Nebraska.