Ring in the New Year with APIC's Spring 2025 IPC Collaboration Series focusing on Construction and Renovation! This series provides an opportunity for participants to hear from  IPs and various department leaders about best practices and results which can be accomplished when leveraging strong inter-departmental relationships. 

See webinars in this series below. Please note, you will be registering for all webinars in this series.

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A Collaborative Approach to Effective Environmental Infection Control During Construction in Healthcare 

CE: 1/IPU: 1 

Monday, January 13, 2025 @ 1 pm ET 

Chris Olson, MBA, M(ASCP)CM, CIC, LTC-CIP, CPHQ and ART GOGUEN, MEPM 

The presentation focuses on the collaboration of science, performance, and facilitation as critical relationships to achieve successful infection prevention and control  

Learning Objectives: 

1. How does the hospital ensure that the contractors that are brought in have the requisite training prior to project commencement?  

2. The science behind healthcare construction containment design and critical check points to observe during containment monitoring.  

3. Some of the Best Practices that are critical to the delivery of exceptional environmental infection control measures during construction in healthcare facilities. 

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IP and Healthcare Construction: Built for Safety 

CE:1/IPU:1 

Monday, February 10, 2025 @ 1 pm ET 

Kristen VanderElzen, MPH, CIC and Rusty Hudson, Assoc. AIA 

New building planning and construction for healthcare is a multi-faceted process. Infection Prevention ICRA’s often focus on the build process (earth moving and physical construction), however, design and commissioning processes are key stages in ensuring the safety of the building for staff and patients. Infection Preventionists (IPs) may not be familiar with the different aspects of commissioning. They need to know how they can ensure that testing best practices are met and the building meets with expected parameters. IPs need to ensure the new owners of the building (Maintenance/Facilities) understand how to prepare and maintain it once they have taken over from the contractor and before patients occupy it. Our different perspectives enable us to identify risks and solutions in a broad sense. Working closely together has allowed us to make quick turnaround on best practice questions and to address potential problems before they arise.  

Learning objectives:  

1. Understand key features related to planning and design for air and water delivery systems in a new/renovated healthcare building.  

2. Identify steps to ensure the building is safe for occupancy.  

3. Describe the as-built review, review of special water systems (RO, etc.) and special air management environments. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Blueprint for health: uniting infection prevention and facilities in construction excellence 

CE:1/IPU:1 

Monday, March 10, 2025 @ 1 pm ET 

Kelly Zabriskie, BS, MLS, CIC, FAPIC and Chris Reitz  

As our health system continued to grow and construction and renovation projects seemed to escalate, the System Infection Preventionist (IP) and the System Facility Regulatory leaders began to look at our overall process for construction/renovation projects. We identified that there was no consistency in the protocols being followed and we needed to create an aligned approach. Construction/renovation projects can be big or small, scheduled or emergent, performed by in house staff or by contractors; but regardless of the project there needed to be a standardized approach that created a partnership between the facility and infection prevention team to minimize the risks to patients in the hospital. We gathered other stakeholders to join our initiative, including Planning, Desing and Construction (PDC) and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), to brainstorm for a standardized process towards construction projects that removed variation and created consistency. Initially, Bi-weekly ICRA Committees were established at each hospital with defined members and goals to review construction projects. We then instituted a software tool that generated construction permits that required approval by IP and EHS once construction ICRAs were inputted by facilities. In depth education sessions were provided for facilities, infection prevention, PDC and contractors to ensure full understanding and alignment of the new process. A collaborative, coordinated approach helped secure a standardized approach to construction and renovation projects. Over the next year, we followed up with meetings to identify concerns, gaps and areas for improvements with the new aligned process.  

Learning Objectives:  

1.How to foster a collaborative relationship between facilities and IP  

2.Develop a business case for creating a standardized approach for construction/renovation projects  

3.How to identify stakeholders to support your plan -How to sustain engagement and provide improvement 

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The IP, the PM and the Construction Site 

CE:1/IPU:1 

Monday, April 7, 2025 @ 1 pm ET 

Candice Fearon, MSGH, BSN, RN, CIC and Natalie Jordan 

Any construction or renovation project in or around a healthcare setting carries unique considerations and challenges. The Project Managers (PMs) are the leads with the Infection Preventionist (IP) providing support and subject matter expertise. In a large academic medical center, construction and renovations are endless. As such the Facilities Design & Construction (FDC) and Clinical Epidemiology (Epi) departments have over time built a collaborative relationship aimed to provide the safest environment for patients and staff during construction or renovation.  

Learning Objectives:  

1. Understand the collaborative relationship between the Infection Preventionist and Project Manager during construction or renovations projects  

2. Understand the role of the Infection Preventionist during construction or renovation projects 

3. Understand the role of the Project Manager during construction  

4. Recognize the types of projects requiring close collaboration with the Infection Preventionist 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Continuing Education (CE) Credit: 

In support of improving patient care, The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 

 Nursing: 

• APIC designates this activity for 4 Nursing Contact Hours 

Physicians: 

• APIC designates this live course activity for a maximum of 4 PRA Category 1 Credits™ 
• Physicians should claim only the credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

IPUs: 

• APIC designates this activity for 4 infection prevention unit(s). 
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Recertify/Recertification-by-Continuing-Education.htm 

CE: 0 / IPU 

Thursday, October 31, 2024 @ 1 pm ET 

Chaz Rhone, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, Saskia Popescu, and Claire Kilpatrick DSc, MSc, PGDipInfControl, RN, MFTM RCPS (Glas)

Join APIC for a conversational webinar involving all things social media. Learn how to elevate your leadership potential, grow your network, navigate feedback, and much more! Hear from your fellow Infection Preventionists on how they built their professional social media platforms and where their virtual journeys began. Whether you're starting out or looking to refine your strategy, this webinar offers actionable insights to propel your virtual presence forward. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and empower your social media journey.

Continuing Education (CE) Credit: 

In support of improving patient care, The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 

 Nursing: 

• APIC designates this activity for 0 Nursing Contact Hours 

Physicians: 

• APIC designates this live course activity for a maximum of 0 PRA Category 1 Credits™ 
• Physicians should claim only the credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

IPUs: 

• APIC designates this activity for 0 infection prevention unit(s). 
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Rece... 

4.5 CE/ IPU

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 

Live session: 9-11:30 am ET

2 pre-recorded session available on demand!

Join APIC and NHSN for International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW)! We will have 3 presentations focusing on Global perspectives taking place live from 9-11:30 am ET with time for a Q&A session at the end. There will also be 2 pre-recorded on-demand sessions available for attendees to view on their own time. See you there!

Please note: you are registering for all sessions for this event.

9:00 am - 9:40 am ET
Global Healthcare-Associated Infections: Burden, Surveillance Challenges, and Pathways to Prevention

Presenter: Emily Petersen, CDC

Description: This presentation will explore the global burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the key challenges in their surveillance, particularly in resource-limited settings. It will highlight effective prevention strategies and propose future pathways to enhance global HAI monitoring and control efforts. Attendees will gain insights into the critical role of surveillance in shaping prevention strategies and the need for global collaboration.

9:45 am - 10:25 am ET

Global Perspective: WHO's Role in Shaping HAI Surveillance and Prevention

Presenter: World Health Organization

Description: This presentation will provide a global overview of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance from the World Health Organization's perspective. It will highlight WHO's role in guiding and supporting international efforts to improve HAI monitoring and prevention, emphasizing the importance of global standards, collaboration, and the integration of surveillance data into public health strategies.

10:30-11:15 am ET

Global Perspectives: Addressing HAI Surveillance and Prevention Challenges Through Collaboration and Innovation

Presenter: TBD, CDC (Emily Petersen or Matthew Westercamp) will "interview" Infection Prevention leaders within the Global Action in Healthcare Network (GAIHN)

Description: In this interview-style presentation, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) leaders from various countries will discuss how collaboration and innovative approaches are helping their facilities overcome the challenges of HAI surveillance and prevention. This session will highlight diverse strategies and the importance of adapting to local contexts, offering valuable insights into global efforts to enhance HAI control.

Pre-Recorded sessions Available on demand

Surgical Site Infection Surveillance and Reporting

Presenter: Melissa Otis

Description: A review of NHSN Surgical Site Infection Surveillance and Reporting will be provided. Attendees will apply this knowledge through the use of case studies.




Current and Future Reporting for the NHSN AUR Module

Presenters: Michelle Fedrick & Hayley Koslik 

Description: Michelle and Hayley will provide a high-level overview of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance (AUR) Module reporting including the CMS Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program requirement for calendar years 2024 and 2025. They will also highlight changes planned for the AUR reporting for 2025.

Continuing Education (CE) Credit:

In support of improving patient care, The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 Nursing:

• APIC designates this activity for 5 Nursing Contact Hours

 

Physicians:

• APIC designates this live course activity for a maximum of 5 PRA Category 1 Credits™
• Physicians should claim only the credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

IPUs:

• APIC designates this activity for 5 infection prevention unit(s).
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Recertify/Recertification-by-Continuing-Education.htm

5 CE/IPU

Tuesday, October15, 2024 from 9:00 am ET - 5:15 pm ET

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal force across most industries, transforming the way we live, work, and solve complex problems. It is revolutionizing infection prevention and control (IPC) as well as healthcare, ushering in a new era of efficiency, accuracy, and proactive management. AI is quickly gaining traction as machine learning is being applied to more efficiently address tasks that have required significant human intervention in the past. With the increases in technology, we are now seeing technology approaching or exceeding in some cases a human’s ability to do the same tasks. Yet, what sets AI apart is its capacity to learn and evolve continuously. AI possesses the capability to sift through vast data sets, decipher complex data, anticipate needs, recognize patterns, and make insightful predictions. The integration of AI into IPC reflects a commitment to improving patient outcomes, optimizing healthcare processes, and addressing ethical considerations in the application of AI technologies.  

This summit will help you understand the potential impact AI could have on the future of IPC and will present case studies and emerging research that demonstrates possible applications of AI to the field of IPC. We will provide tools for how IPs can become critical coaches in the deployment of these technologies within their organizations as the technology continues to emerge.    

Learning Objectives:  

1. Explore how AI can augment traditional IPC strategies and improve outcomes. 
2. Discuss how AI can optimize resource allocation and response strategies in IPC. 
3. Evaluate the effectiveness and challenges of implementing AI-driven solutions in real-world IPC scenarios.
4. Identify emerging trends and future opportunities for AI in advancing IPC practices. 

Continuing Education (CE) Credit: 

In support of improving patient care, The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 

 Nursing: 

• APIC designates this activity for 5 Nursing Contact Hours 

Physicians: 

• APIC designates this live course activity for a maximum of 5 PRA Category 1 Credits™ 
• Physicians should claim only the credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

IPUs: 

• APIC designates this activity for 5 infection prevention unit(s). 
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Rece... 

9:00 – 9:15 am ET  

Welcome from Devin Jopp, EdD, MS  

APIC messaging around Potential Impact of AI and what to expect  

9:15 – 10:00 am ET  

Federal Government Efforts to Advance AI Solutions for Infection Prevention and Control 

Description: The US Federal government created the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to drive development of high-impact research to drive biomedical and health breakthroughs to deliver transformative, sustainable, and equitable health solutions for everyone.  This fireside chat will explore the implications of ARPA-H's groundbreaking work as it connects to the field of infection prevention and control  

Learning Objectives:  

1. Understand the purpose of ARPA-H and its impact on the IPC field.  

1. Learn core priorities of ARPA-H.  

1. Develop an understanding of how ARPA-H works to develop new innovations. 

10:30 – 11:30 am ET  

Leveraging AI for the Global Advancement of IPC 

Description: Explore how AI technologies are revolutionizing IPC. This session will delve into the latest AI-driven innovations that enhance early detection, streamline outbreak management, and optimize IPC practices in healthcare settings. Join this session to learn about real-world applications, challenges, and the future potential of AI in creating safer and more resilient healthcare environments. 

Learning Objectives:  

1. Understand how AI technologies are transforming IPC by enhancing early detection and outbreak management. 

1. Explore the latest AI-driven innovations and their practical applications in optimizing IPC practices within healthcare settings. 

1. Identify the challenges and future potential of AI in developing safer and more resilient healthcare environments. 

12:00 – 12:45 pm ET  

Case Study: Leveraging AI to Support Training with NHSN Surveillance Definitions 

Description: A validated test bank of forty-two surveillance scenarios has been developed to train and improve inter-rater reliability among infection preventionists. Case studies were imported into Chat-GPT-4o to assess the ability of the artificial intelligence operating system to correctly code and provide rationale for healthcare acquired infections using 2024 NHSN surveillance definitions. Case studies covered concepts of CAUTI, CLABSI, Secondary BSI, Date of Event, Repeat Infection Timeframe, SSI, VAE, LABID, SBAP, location of attribution, and location mapping. Rationale generated by correct AI scenarios can be a valuable tool in training infection preventionists to code hospital-acquired infections. 

Learning Objectives:  

1. Determine strengths and limitations of Chat-GPT-4o at applying 2024 NHSN surveillance definitions. 

1. Discuss utilizing AI as a tool to train infection preventionists to code hospital acquired infections. 

1:30 – 2:15 pm ET  

AI and Genomic Surveillance for Healthcare Outbreaks  

Description: This session will explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) surveillance in enhancing the detection and investigation of healthcare-associated bacterial outbreaks. Drawing from recent research and real-world application, this presentation will highlight how the Enhanced Detection System for Healthcare-associated Transmission (EDS-HAT) leverages AI to automate the identification of transmission routes, thus improving the speed and accuracy of outbreak investigations. Attendees will gain insights into the practical implementation of AI in IPC and its potential to transform traditional surveillance methods. 

Learning Objectives:  

1. Explore the Practical Application and Benefits of EDS-HAT. 

1. Understand the Development, Integration, and Limitations of AI and Genomic Surveillance. 

1. Evaluate the Impact of AI on Healthcare Outbreaks. 

3:00 pm – 3:45 pm ET   

Leveraging Private Sector AI Innovation to Solve Real World IPC Challenges  

Description: Google X was designed to create radical new technologies to solve some of the world’s hardest problems.  Infection Prevention and Control certainly rises to the level as a difficult challenge and this session brings together Google X and some leading IP thought leaders to explore core focus areas where AI-powered innovation and solve some of today’s leading IPC challenges.  

Learning Objectives:  

1. Understand Google X’s role in driving innovation to address IPC challenges.  

1. Learn from IP leaders some areas that they see AI impacting IPC. 

1. Develop an understanding of how private sector technology and healthcare can partner to develop real-world solutions.  

4:15 pm – 5:00 pm ET   

 CIOs and IPs Unite: Exploring the Future Impact of AI on Hospital IPC Programs     

Description:  As hospitals continue their journeys to implement AI to improve operations and outcomes, unique opportunities exist to leverage new AI-powered tools to improve infection prevention and control.  Two CIOs and IPs will join a panel discussion to explore the future landscape and potential impact of these tools.  

Learning Objectives:  

1. Gain an understanding of near and far-term AI solutions that may impact IPC programs.  

1. Understand how IPs and CIOs can work together to bring new AI-powered IPC solutions to reality.  

1. Develop an understanding of the challenges and hurdles associated with these new innovations.  

 5:00 pm – 5:15 pm ET   

Closing remarks from Tania Bubb, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC

  Additional pre-recorded content presented at APIC24  

Impact of AI on IPC  

Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN, CIC, FSHEA, FNAP, FAAN and Tim Wiemken, PhD, MPH, FAPIC, CIC   

Consulting 201 for IPs: Take Your IP Consulting to the Next Level  

Presented by APIC Consulting Services 

Friday, October 4, 2024 | 1pm – 3pm ET 

$99 APIC Member | $139 Non-member 

Go beyond the basics and delve into essential skills for thriving as a successful infection preventionist (IP) consultant during our virtual live workshop. Whether you’ve completed a couple of client engagements or have an established infection prevention and control (IPC) consulting practice, this comprehensive session is designed to help IP consultants excel in independent contracting roles. 

Build upon your previous consulting experience to leverage strategies and tools from a seasoned APIC Consultant who utilized IPC and business expertise to build a thriving, independent consulting firm. 

This session expands upon APIC Consulting’s foundational workshop for new and aspiring IP consultants: Consulting 101 for IPs: How to Get Started Now!.

Can’t attend the live presentation? Registrants will receive access to a post-workshop recording of the entire session on the course page for easy, on-demand viewing. Learn how to streamline and maximize your IPC consulting work in our interactive workshop. 

- Growing your network and prospecting for new business 

- Estimating projects and scopes of work 

- Developing contracts, negotiation, and execution 

- Managing timesheets, invoices, and payment processing 

- Displaying professionalism through video meetings and digital communications 

- Managing the client from project kick-off to completion 

- Tools and technology for administrative and general consulting responsibilities 

- Resources for conducting IPC program assessments 

- Interactive peer breakouts with guided client scenarios  

- Business and professional development resources 

Workshop Presenters 

Missy Travis, MSN, RN, CIC, APIC Consultant   

Evelyn Bates, Relationship Manager, APIC Consulting Services 

Access to Workshop Recording 

- On-demand access to the session recording will be available on the course page after the live workshop beginning October 5, 2024, until January 2, 2025. 

Registration Deadline: October 3, 2024, 11:59pm ET 

Join us and maximize your consulting potential! 

Consulting 201: Take Your IP Consulting to the Next Level is not a requirement for becoming an APIC Consultant. If you’d like to be considered for our roster, complete our Consultant Roster Questionnaire to learn more. 

CE: 1 / IPU: 1
Thursday, October 3, 2024 @ 1 pm ET
Carole Leone MSN, BSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC

Is your organization considering centralized surveillance for healthcare associated infections? The transfer of surveillance duties from hospital based Infection Preventionists to a centralized team of surveillance experts is a journey that may include obstacles such as unwillingness to give up the task, uncertainty of surveillance team expertise, and difficulties in developing the right team with the best fitting team members. The endeavor can be successful with a well thought out plan that includes concepts of change management and the steps of creating a vision, identifying stakeholders, quantifying time, and selling the concept to gain acceptance. This session outlines the change management steps of a hospital system’s journey to centralized surveillance. Actions taken to address potential obstacles will be presented, along with development of standard work, transparency, conflict resolution, and efficient data feedback to hospital IP programs.

Continuing Education (CE) Credit:

In support of improving patient care, The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Nursing:

• APIC designates this activity for 1 Nursing Contact Hours

Physicians:

• APIC designates this live course activity for a maximum of 1 PRA Category 1 Credits™
• Physicians should claim only the credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

IPUs

• APIC designates this activity for 1 infection prevention unit(s).
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Recertify/Recertification-by-Continuing-Education.htm

1 CE/IPU per webinar in the series

Topics Include: Creating a Revenue Generating Infection Control Program, enhancing Partnerships Between Infection Prevention and Public Health and much more! 

Continuing Education (CE) Credit:

In support of improving patient care, The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Nursing:

• APIC designates this activity for 1 Nursing Contact Hours

Physicians:

• APIC designates this live course activity for a maximum of 1 PRA Category 1 Credits™
• Physicians should claim only the credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

IPUs

• APIC designates this activity for 1 infection prevention unit(s).
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Recertify/Recertification-by-Continuing-Education.htm

October 2, 2024     1:00 – 2:30 PM ET

Join this free event and experience cutting-edge technology in the world of infection prevention and control at APIC’s prize-filled feature virtual event, the return of The Pitch.

Hear from the following companies about their latest IPC solutions:

PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES!

Prizes will be raffled off throughout the event. Attendees must be present at The Pitch to receive prizes.

Prizes include:

• Designer Handbag
• NFL Shop Gift Card
• Omaha Steaks Meals
• NBA Store Gift Card
• National Parks Annual Pass
• Harry & David Signature Gift Basket
• Spa Gift Basket

GRAND PRIZE…

Attendees who participate in the market survey during the presentation will be eligible to win:

• APIC25 Annual Conference Prize Package
  • Complimentary full registration
  • $300 travel voucher
  • Complimentary hotel accommodations at an APIC official hotel for 3 nights (room & tax only; incidentals on own)

Prizes graciously provided by APIC

By registering for this webinar, you are agreeing to be contacted by event Sponsors. APIC does not endorse any products or technologies.

Consulting 101 for IPs: How to Get Started Now!  

Presented by APIC Consulting Services 

Friday, September 20, 2024 | 1pm – 3pm ET 

$99 APIC Member | $139 Non-member 

Step into the world of infection prevention and control (IPC) consulting with our newly designed and customized workshop for IPs eager to broaden their professional horizons as independent contractors.  Whether you envision consulting part-time, would like to start your own business, or aspire to flourish within an established consulting firm, you’ll gain the foundational and practical insights necessary to explore this dynamic field during our virtual live workshop.  

Can’t attend the live presentation? Registrants will receive access to a post-workshop recording of the entire session on the course page for easy, on-demand viewing. Learn from a seasoned APIC Consultant who harnessed her expertise to build a career in IPC consulting. 

- What it means to be an independent contractor/consultant  

- Essential elements of becoming a consultant  

- The types of consulting work best suited for IPs across practice settings 

- Assessing your consultant readiness, IPC focus, and specialty expertise 

- Business setup considerations including insurance, accounting, technology, and more 

- How to approach client contracts, scopes of work, estimates, and fee structures 

- Workshop includes 90 minutes of live instruction and a 30-minute interactive Q&A 

Already have previous IP consulting experience and want to delve into essential skills for thriving as a consultant? You may want to consider our second workshop in this series, Consulting 201: Take Your IP Consulting to the Next Level. 

Workshop Presenters 

Joi McMillon, RN, BSN, MBA HA, CRRN, WCC, CJCP, HACP-CMS, CIC, APIC Consultant   

Evelyn Bates, Relationship Manager, APIC Consulting Services 

Access to Workshop Recording 

- On-demand access to the session recording will be available on the course page after the live workshop beginning September 21, 2024, until December 19, 2024. 

Registration Deadline: September 19, 2024, 11:59pm ET 

Join us and start your consulting journey!   

Consulting 101 for IPs: How to Get Started Now! is not a prerequisite for Consulting 201: Take Your IP Consulting to the Next Level. Consulting 101 for IPs: How to Get Started Now! focuses on the foundational aspects of independent consulting and is not a requirement for becoming an APIC Consultant. If you’d like to be considered for our roster, complete our Consultant Roster Questionnaire to learn more. 

The Fall 2024 IPC Collaboration Series is here! This series provides an opportunity for participants to hear from  IPs and various department leaders about best practices and results which can be accomplished when leveraging strong inter-departmental relationships. Topics include: Environmental cleaning, laundry management, and heater/cooler sterilization.

Collaboration between Child Life Specialists and Infection Preventionists - A look at how an adult Comprehensive Cancer Center was able to safely onboard pediatric care for radiation therapy while maintaining a child friendly atmosphere

CE: 1/IPU: 1 

Monday, September 16, 2024 @ 1 pm ET

Todd Hertel, MLS(ASCP)CM, CHS(ACHI) and Sami Rundo, CCLS

Speakers will discuss the importance of listening to understand and building a foundational relationship amongst Child Life and Infection Prevention. Infection Prevention and Child Life departments have continually collaborated at this organization to ensure pediatric care can happen safely while avoiding infection risk but also allow for a kid friendly environment to reduce emotional distress and trauma. This collaboration was the first of its kind across our Comprehensive Cancer Center previously tailored to an adult population. We will share our successes, struggles, risk assessments, and compromises.

Learning objectives:

 1. How to approach new departments in a non-threatening way and lay a foundation for continued collaborative success

2. Best practice when advocating with leadership and requesting funding for projects not included in original budget planning

3. How to appropriately create and implement a toy cleaning and disinfection policy

4. Special considerations for access to unique Child Life managed play and therapy spaces

Behind the Curtains: Unveiling the Hidden Risks and Realities of Healthcare Linen Hygiene and Safety

CE: 1/IPU: 1 

Monday, October 28, 2024 @ 1 pm ET

Gregory Gicewicz, CLLM and Missy Travis, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC

This session will provide a behind the scenes in-depth investigation into the realities and risks associated with healthcare linen & laundry. Missy Travis is the founder of IP&C Consulting, LLC, and a 20-year Board Certified Infection Prevention (IP) veteran. Greg Gicewicz is CEO of Compliance Shark, and a 20-year accredited healthcare laundry owner/operator. Together, they will share their diverse actionable perspectives on healthcare linen & laundry. Missy will provide the IP perspective on linen processing and handling and what “should” happen in a perfect world. Greg will provide the laundry operator’s insider perspective on what actually happens in the real world of linen processing and handling. Through combined efforts, they will offer tips and tricks for what dangers are lurking and how to mitigate these findings.
Overall, this session will illustrate the perfect world versus actual world linen concepts. The audience will follow a healthcare textile on a virtual journey from patient use at the hospital, to transportation to the laundry facility, to processing at the laundry facility, to transportation back to the hospital, and back to the point of use.
 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the risks associated with improperly processed and handled healthcare textiles
2. Evaluate healthcare laundry processing and handling using “perfect world” standards
3. Develop skills to identify hidden dangers in healthcare linen processing and handling
4. Apply techniques to mitigate dangers found in healthcare linen processing and handling.

Linen Supply Goes Up in Smoke 

CE: 1/IPU: 1 

Monday, November 18, 2024 @ 1 pm ET 

Michelle Power MT(ASCP), CIC and Justin Ballas

A significant fire has occurred at the main facility responsible for reprocessing linens for hospitals, surgeries, and ambulatory services across three campuses, encompassing a 1200-bed health system and 160 ambulatory offices, with minimal redundancy in place. Measures have been implemented to outsource linen processing to prevent any disruptions to hospital operations and to expedite the restoration of the textile department's capabilities to the highest level possible in a timely and safe manner.

Learning Objectives:
1. Determine the remediation process.
2. Establish a replacement linen supply system (including temporary linens, disposable lines, and sterile linen).
3. Implement steps to quality control all refurbished equipment, test new equipment, and ensure textiles are hygienically clean.

Collaborative Efforts in Mitigating Heater-Cooler Contamination Risks

CE: 1/IPU: 1 

Monday, December 9, 2024 @ 1 pm ET

Cyndi Culbreth, RN, BSN, CIC and Greg Griffin, BS, CCP LP

Infection Prevention and Clinical Perfusion teams collaborate to improve safety of heater-cooler machines in the OR

Learning Objectives
1. Understand the Importance of Cross-Departmental Collaboration
2. Identify Challenges and Solutions in Equipment Maintenance
3. Appreciate the Role of Executive Support

Continuing Education (CE) Credit: 

In support of improving patient care, The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 

 Nursing: 

• APIC designates this activity for 4 Nursing Contact Hours 

Physicians: 

• APIC designates this live course activity for a maximum of 4 PRA Category 1 Credits™
• Physicians should claim only the credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

IPUs: 

• APIC designates this activity for 4 infection prevention unit(s). 
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Rece...