High Consequence Infectious Diseases and Special Pathogens: Are You Prepared?
Overview
Starting July 1, 2024, The Joint Commission has implemented the new Standard IC.07.01.01 to bolster hospitals' readiness for high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs). This standard introduces two new elements of performance aimed at enhancing preparedness against emerging threats like avian influenza and monkeypox. Recent outbreaks, from SARS to COVID-19, underscore the urgent need for robust infection control measures. By standardizing protocols for HCIDs, hospitals can improve emergency response while reinforcing infection control for everyday pathogens. Ensure your facility is ready to face future challenges with these vital updates.
In our webinar, ECRI and Trinity Health experts introduced high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) and special pathogens, covering the last decade’s history, current and emerging threats, and the essential role of public health. The session provides insights on evidence-based readiness, PPE training, and strategies to enhance preparedness for HCIDs and special pathogens.
Please note that credits were only available for the live event.
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Speakers
Russell Olmsted, MPH, CIC, FAPIC
Director, Infection Prevention & Control, Integrated Clinical Services, Trinity Health
Russell Olmsted has served on the CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee since 2006 and chaired the 2008 External Peer Review Panel for the National Healthcare Safety Network. With expertise in biology and healthcare epidemiology, he has focused on environmental impacts on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and contributed to facility design standards. A long-time APIC leader (past APIC President and Carol DeMille Award recipient), he has held various editorial roles and currently collaborates with the Michigan Health & Hospital Association’s Keystone Center to reduce bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Additionally, he serves as affiliated faculty for the University of Michigan’s Patient Safety Enhancement Program.
Susan Singh MPH, CIC, HEM
Infection Preventionist, ECRI
Susan Singh, MPH, CIC, brings over 15 years of infection prevention experience from both large academic and smaller community hospitals across the U.S. Before joining ECRI, she served as the Director of Infection Control & Epidemiology at a 400+ bed community hospital in the Bronx, NY. During her tenure, she was nominated for the United Hospital Fund’s 2021 Quality Improvement Champions award for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Susan successfully implemented quality improvement initiatives, including a multidisciplinary approach to mitigate Candida auris transmission in the Intensive Care Unit and chronic ventilator unit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and a Master of Public Health in Community Health and has been board-certified in Infection Control (CIC) since 2013.