Developed in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Project Firstline Mississippi is designed to support frontline healthcare workers in better understanding and applying infection control. This year, International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) takes place globally from October 15 through 21, serving as a reminder of infection prevention’s pivotal role in enhancing patient safety. This year’s theme, “Celebrating the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention,” highlights getting back to the basics of infection prevention for everyBODY.
Whether within a healthcare facility or in the community at large, as a frontline healthcare worker, you can make a difference in infection prevention. Simple activities like regular handwashing and getting your flu shot can go a long way. Help us raise awareness about staying germ-free and let the message go viral!
According to the CDC, Standard Precautions are the minimum infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, regardless of the patient’s suspected or confirmed infection status, in any setting where health care is delivered. These practices are designed to safeguard healthcare personnel and minimize the risk of infections being transmitted among patients.
Standard Precautions include:
- Hand hygiene
- Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) whenever there is an expectation of possible exposure to infectious material
- Respiratory hygiene/cough and sneeze etiquette principles
- Sharps safety and safe injection practices
- Proper handling and cleaning/disinfection of patient environment and patient care equipment/devices
- Appropriate patient placement
- Proper handling of textiles and laundry
While the focus is on International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) this week, it’s important to remember that infection prevention is something we should prioritize year-round. This ongoing effort has a significant impact on keeping ourselves and others safe from infectious diseases. So, let’s continue practicing infection prevention measures beyond this week and make a resounding impact every day! Join the celebration by sharing photos of your creative infection-prevention efforts and tagging Project Firstline Mississippi on Facebook!
Do you know of a friend or colleague who exemplifies patient safety? The new Project Firstline Mississippi Heroes program serves as an educational catalyst to strengthen Project Firstline’s mission while further recognizing those who already exercise its core tenets in their everyday practices. Nominate one today in honor of #IIPW HERE!
For more information, please visit the Infection Prevention & You webpage.
