Webinar Recordings
(March 5, 2019) This webinar introduced viewers to the Maryland Statewide Prevention and Reduction of C. difficile (SPARC) Collaborative and reviewed the processes the Collaborative is using to reduce the number of C. difficile infections in Maryland.
Part 2 of this webinar focused on how to improve environmental cleaning through effective performance assessment with constructive feedback in a non-blame, empowering culture using a fluorescent gel (FG) monitoring program. FG is a harmless fluid -- invisible to the naked eye but visible with UV light -- and can be used for environmental cleaning monitoring in the acute care setting. An FG monitoring program should be objective, valid, resource-efficient, and performance-improvement and training-focused. It was discussed how best to implement a program, or enhance an existing program, at your hospital. We included recommendations on optimal number and best selection methods of high touch surfaces (HTS) and rooms; who is best positioned to lead a FG monitoring program; and the benefits of monitoring both daily and discharge cleaning.
(March 13, 2019) In this webinar, Emily Heil, PharmD, BCIDP, defined the special link between fluoroquinolones and C. difficile infection. The webinar focused on strategies to decrease unnecessary use of fluoroquinolones as an antimicrobial stewardship initiative to decrease C. difficile rates at your institution. It also proposed beta-lactam allergy management as a strategy for fluoroquinolone reduction and introduced options ranging from improved history taking to penicillin skin testing, that could be implemented locally at your institutions.
(March 27, 2019) Are you a pharmacist or IP who struggles to engage your ED providers in stewardship activities? Are you a busy ED clinician who wants to focus on antibiotic stewardship but is struggling with patient and administrative demands? Then this is the webinar for you! Dr. Larissa May is a Professor of Emergency Medicine and the Director of Emergency Department and Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship at the University of California-Davis and has spent her career studying ways to improve the appropriate use of antibiotics in the ED setting. Listen to this webinar to hear common myths dispelled and find out which techniques really work.
(April 17, 2019) In this presentation, Dr. Surbhi Leekha, MBBS, MPH discussed reflex urine culturing as a simple, lab-based approach to urine culture diagnostic stewardship. It focused on the steps of setting up a system for reflex urine culturing in a hospital setting, common questions that arise during the implementation process, as well as some pitfalls of reflex urine culturing that can paradoxically increase urine culturing.
(May 2, 2019) In this presentation, Dr. Anthony Harris discussed the pros and cons of using contact precautions to prevent transmission of pathogens in acute care hospitals. Infection Preventionists and hospital epidemiologists particularly benefitted from this presentation.
(June 12, 2019) In this presentation, Dr. Stuart M. Levine, MD, FACP, discussed the important role that senior level and executive leadership plays in helping drive C. difficile rate reduction, as well as how to engage in these efforts. The importance of executive leadership involvement in spurring institutional change was discussed.
(July 10, 2019) In this presentation, Kimberly Claeys, PharmD, BCPS, presented a summary of currently available rapid diagnostic tests for bloodstream infections, potential clinical impact, and literature to optimize use. This presentation benefits physicians, pharmacists, and nurses.