Exhibitor Symposia: Eat, Sleep, and Bathe Patient Hygiene

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), notably central line-associated infections (CLABSI) and those caused by multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs). Patient hygiene is crucial in infection prevention. In 2023, a clinical consensus paper titled "Safe Skin, Safe Patients: The Value of Patient Hygiene" emphasized the importance of patient hygiene in preventing HAIs, especially through skin antisepsis. Antisepsis bathing is effective in reducing the risk of HAIs across various patient populations, complementing surgical skin antisepsis.

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) aims to promote evidence-based infection prevention practices, recognizing implementation science as vital for infection preventionists. Successful adoption of these practices necessitates meticulous attention to implementation processes, particularly in the critical intersection of patient care and infection prevention.

To facilitate implementation, a toolkit for Antiseptic Bathing Treatments, specifically Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) bathing, has been developed. This toolkit offers detailed instructions, emphasizing adaptability to different healthcare settings.

This presentation will outline the Patient Hygiene Consensus Statement and provide a practical demonstration of the Antisepsis Bathing Treatment Toolkit. Attendees will gain insight into the role of patient hygiene in skin health and receive a valuable tool for implementing antisepsis bathing protocols. By participating, attendees will be better equipped to plan, implement, and sustain evidence-based infection prevention practices in their respective healthcare settings.

For more information, please go to: https://bit.ly/apic2024.

Affiliated Events No CE (Not Official APIC24 Programming)

This Symposium will also be live streamed to a virtual audience ONLY on Monday, June 3 at 11am.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how and why skin health is important for HAI prevention
• Identify evidence-based practices to improve patient hygiene
• List key components that are necessary to plan, implement, and sustain a successful antisepsis bathing treatment program