EPIC - Epworth Program for Infection Control

5 November 2007

Introduction

The Infection Control Program at Epworth Hospital demands a quality system of monitoring, problem solving and reporting.

To improve the service to clinical areas and to enable a more effective and accountable Infection Control Program to progress, an “EPIC” liaison nurse is recommended.

The implementation of this system would ensure ownership of area-based problems and therefore accountability and responsibility will remain with the area.  This system has been used in Infection Control for many years (referenced) and of particular interest is the Monash Medical Centre where a team of three ICC nurses manage a network wide, EPIC Nurse program.

The establishment of clinical-based EPIC Nurses will facilitate awareness of clinical issues and identify specific knowledge deficits.  This is expected to contribute to a decreased incidence of nosocomial infections and staff health risks, this should result in the reduction of some hospital costs.

Outline of Liaison Nurse Role

The EPIC nurse will use this role to both foster interest and challenge infection control practices.

Demonstration of problem solving, excellent communication skills and an ability to implement, manage and complete projects are seen as key criteria for this role.

All activities/projects undertaken by the EPIC nurses will be with the knowledge, support and direction of the ICC and his/her clinical area AOD.

The efficacy of this proposal depends largely on enthusiasm of the “EPIC Nurse”.

Outcomes will be monitored and reported on a two monthly basis to the IC committee, EPIC meetings and Manager/AOD.

The EPIC nurses will be responsible for surveillance and education in his/her area.  EPIC nurses can be a key player in raising the profile of Infection Control and a motivator for staff education and infection control practices.  They will also be a resource for all new staff. 

Aim

To raise awareness of infection control standards and practice at the clinical level, to encourage 'ownership' of infection control issues at the clinical level with the overall aim of enhancing patient care outcomes.

Implementation methods

• Identify staff members suitable for the role of EPIC nurse
• Provide EPIC nurses with initial training and resources to undertake the role
• Monthly/bimonthly 1 hour meetings/education sessions with the EPIC group
• Ongoing liaison with Infection Control Nurse Consultant

Outcome of the program

• Increase awareness of infection control standards
• Clinical Area participation in basic auditing of compliance to infection control standards
• Identification of clinical infection control issues
• Increased utilisation of infection control resources
• Identification and support for specific clinical educational requirements

Expectations

• Maintain familiarity with the Infection Control manual and be responsible for its presence, location and content (needlestick packs)
• Assist with auditing Infection Control guidelines and hospital policy to measure compliance and I.C. gaps
• Provide a link to Infection Control resources for visitors, patients and staff
• Conduct Infection control in-services at least 3 times per year
• Assist in the identification and management of infections and any potential outbreak situations in your clinical area
• Attend EPIC educational meetings with the aim of:
  1. developing networks within Epworth HealthCare
  2. exchanging I.C. knowledge and ideas across clinical areas
  3. maintain up-to-date information on Infection Control at a local, national and international level
  4. utilising the learning opportunities offered throughout the program

Recognition

Overall recognition of involvement and participation in the program is manifest by the following:

• Incentive points progress and summary
• Certificate of participation
• Recognition to management
• Recognition to Infection Control Committee

Evaluation

Evaluation of the program at the end of 12 months will consist of EPIC representative evaluation and a summary of the program and its outcomes by a joint presentation to the Infection Control Committee.

Presentation given at the Improving Patient Safety: Preventing Healthcare Associated Infections Seminar, 2005

 EPIC (pdf) 

Speakers

Ms Mal Butler and Ms Vanessa Sparke, Infection Control, Epworth Hospital, VIC

Speaker information

Mal Butler has held the position of Infection Control Consultant at Epworth Hospital for 10 years, seeing the hospital grow from 350 beds to 700 plus and increase from 1 site to 3 sites. The Infection Control program has continually changed, from a part time position -3 days per week to 2 full time staff members to meet the ever changing needs of the organisation with the evolving changes within the healthcare sector.