Services Offered Include But Not Limited To:
Overall assessment and development of customized Infection Control Programs and PlansInfection Control Programs and Plans are developed according to the needs of the facility/organization/practice. A variety of programs are available including custom written Infection Control Manuals, policies and procedures, educational tools etc.
Compliance with and education of Hand Hygiene guidelinesHand hygiene compliance is the basis for prevention of the spread of organisms worldwide. It is essential that facilities/practices are in compliance with regulations for handwashing and hand disinfection/alcohol based handrubs. Effective product usage and education of staff is key to an effective program.
HAI Health care associated infections (HAI’s) affect roughly 2 million Americans each year with an annual mortality rate estimated at roughly 100,000 patients. HAI's result in annual excess health care costs of roughly $4.5 billion. Most HAI’s are preventable, and effective Infection Control programs have been proven to reduce infection rates. surveillance for PHC4 compliancePennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) is an independent agency responsible for addressing the problem of escalating health costs and ensuring quality of care. As of January 1 2004, PHC4 has required hospitals to report HAI’s to the agency. Surveillance for HAI’s is carried out using the CDC’s National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NNIS). in Acute Care
Medical record audits and reviewsMedical Record audits and reviews are carried out for the purpose of identifying HAI’s, and determining infection rates. for health care related organizations and facilities
Compliance with Federal and State Regulations including OSHA and CMSOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and State and local health agencies are all responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations regarding Infection Control in health care related facilities. OSHA’s newly instituted unannounced random visits to various facilities and practices, has resulted in citations and extensive fines if non compliance is documented.
JCAHOJoint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) evaluates and accredits more than 15,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. JCAHO is the nation’s predominant standards setting and accrediting body in health care. JCAHO’s standards must be fully adhered to in order to be awarded prestigious accreditation in health care. Compliance, which includes PPR'sPeriodic Performance Reviews (PPR’s) are compliance assessment tools designed to help organizations with their continuous monitoring and performance improvement activities. The completion of the PPR is a JCAHO accreditation participation requirement. and survey preparation
Compliance with National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG's)The purpose of National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG’s) is to promote specific improvements in patient safety. The goals highlight problematic areas in health care, and describe evidence and expert based solutions to these problems.
Pandemic Flu plan developmentPandemic flu plan development is essential for proactive steps to safeguard our nation in the event of a worldwide outbreak of influenza. ICCS assists facilities/practices/organizations and schools with plans, as outlined in President Bush’s “pandemic flu plan initiative”. for businesses, schools and various other organizations
Management of resistant organismsResistant organisms are a major issue for acute, long term care and rehab facilities. Policies and procedures are essential to address the management of these organisms such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBL’s). including isolation precautions. PA senate bill 968 mandates that a system be developed to identify and designate patients known to be colonized or infected with MRSA or other MDROs.
Management of Clostridium difficileClostridium Difficile (C.diff) infections are rising exponentially in health care facilities at present. A toxic and virulent strain is sweeping the US and Canada, resulting in a higher incidence of morbidity and mortality. Specific protocols addressing the handling of infected patients and environmental cleaning is critical to prevent the spread of this deadly organism. (C.diff)
Influenza and pneumococcal prevention campaignsInfluenza and Pneumococcal pneumonia prevention campaigns involves vaccination of patients and residents of various facilities. It is mandatory for all acute, long term care and rehab facilities in the US to offer all patients and residents the vaccines, according to written protocols under the guidance of Infection Control. for health care facilities
NorovirusNorovirus (Norwalk Virus) is a common gastrointestinal virus responsible for acute outbreaks of nausea and vomiting, followed by diarrhea. It is a highly contagious, self limiting illness. Outbreaks are known to occur frequently during the winter months in health care facilities (particularly Long Term Care Facilities) and schools. This organism is also responsible for outbreaks on cruise ships. outbreak prevention and control
Infection Control services to Medical and Dental Practices. Medical and Dental practices have to abide by OSHA and State Regulations, Citations and fines are inevitable for non compliance.
Act 52/ Senate Bill 968 - "Prescription for Pennsylvania" signed into legislation in July 2007 mandates that all health-care facilities in Pennsylvania adopt the requirements for a more stringent Infection Control Plan. ICCS assists healthcare facilities in meeting the requirements for an effective Infection Control Program.