APIC Underscores the Top Ways to Protect Patients During International Infection Prevention Week

October 16, 2018

The 2018 theme of International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW), which takes place October 14-20, is Protecting Patients Everywhere. Healthcare professionals from all settings and levels play an important role in protecting patients. Therefore, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is putting the spotlight on the importance of infection prevention and actions the healthcare community can take to improve patient safety.

"Preventing infection is our No. 1 goal, whether care is delivered in a hospital, an outpatient clinic, or long-term care facility,” said 2018 APIC president Janet Haas, PhD, RN, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC. “It is critical that all healthcare professionals-not just infection preventionists-understand their role in keeping patients safe from infection.”

New this year, APIC has developed an infographic highlighting 10 ways to protect patients and reminds healthcare professionals, patients, and families that keeping patients safe from infection is everyone’s responsibility. Instructions like “stay home if you’re sick,” and “use safe injection practices,” remind healthcare workers that every action they take can have an impact on a patient’s health.

"Patient safety is a clear priority for infection preventionists and healthcare professionals, and that is why we chose to focus on this issue during IIPW,” said Katrina Crist, MBA, CAE, CEO of APIC. “We are grateful to the numerous industry champions and association partners who have joined with APIC to spread these important patient safety messages."

APIC is hosting a Twitter chat on Tuesday, Oct.16 at 12 p.m. ET. The conversation will discuss the important roles that patients, families, and healthcare professionals play in infection prevention and patient safety. Join the conversation using the hashtag #IIPWChat.

Source: APIC