Managing the Spectrum Infection Prevention Symposium Explored Key Patient Safety Issues

From left to right: Ty Roberts, Kathleen Stoessel, Dr. Wava Truscott, Julie Kneedler, Mark Semmelmayer.

Earlier this month, more than 200 participants from 19 states (representing 80 hospitals) gathered at the Kimberly-Clark Knowledge Network-sponsored "Managing the Spectrum Infection Prevention Symposium" held at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta. The two-day event addressed current issues and new policies relating to patient safety and infection prevention impacting acute-care and ambulatory healthcare facilities. 

Faculty speakers represented the perspectives of their many organizations including the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Center for Research on Environmental Microbiology, Excellentia: ASC Compliance Advisory Group, the Joint Commission and the Joint Commission International, Kaiser Permanente: Quality and Safety-Infection Prevention, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Safe Care Campaign.

Topics included:
 International Perspective: Experience in Infection Prevention
 Reducing Adverse Events thru Collaboration Across the Surgical Continuum
 Impact of Healthcare Reform on Infection Prevention
 The Evolution of Ambulatory Surgery & New Strategies for Infection Prevention
 Compendium of Strategies to Prevent HAI-Highlights
 Clostridium difficile and MRSA: Recent Developments in Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
 Role of the Environment in HAI and Steps to Mitigate Risk
 Caregiver Focus: Prevention Strategies Healthcare Respiratory Programs
 New AORN Transmissible Infections Recommended Practices
 Preventing Infection in Acute Pain Patients
 Change One Thin, Change Everything: The   Power of One

In addition to the presentations, panel discussions allowed attendees the opportunity to ask follow-up questions. The entire symposium was recorded and many of the presentations will be accredited and made available to Kimberly-Clark sales representatives as a tool to provide continuing education to healthcare professionals free of charge.