Summer 2008 Summer Vol. 23 No. 2 prevention, control CBIC infection APIC/CHICA-Canada/ INSIDE Publications Mail Agreement #40065075 review Education Conference CHICA/AIPI 2008 practice standards professional and and epidemiology: The official journaloftheCommunity andHospitalInfection ControlAssociation –Canada Association pour la prévention des infections à l’hôpital et dans la communauté – Canada : prévention des infections Revue canadienne de Infecti The Canadian Journal of on Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The Canadian Journal of Patricia Piaskowski, RN, HBScN, CIC EDITORIAL BOARD Joanne Braithwaite, RN, BAA, CHPIc, CIC INFECTIONINFECTION CONTROLCONTROL Toronto, Ontario Sandra Callery, RN, HHSc, CIC Revue canadienne de prévention des infections Toronto, Ontario David (Greg) Gamble, MD, FRCPC Thunder Bay, Ontario Elizabeth Henderson, PhD Calgary, Alberta APIC/CHICA-Canada/CBIC infection prevention, control and Louise Holmes, RN, CIC epidemiology: Professional and practice standards______104 Vancouver, British Columbia Shirley McDonald, ART, CIC Bath, Ontario International Infection Control Council: Global consensus Allison McGeer, MD, FRCPC conference on Clostridium difficile associated disease___ 110 Toronto, Ontario Cathy Munford, RN, CIC Hand hygiene position statement______114 Victoria, British Columbia Nicole Tittley, HBSc, CIC, CRSP CHICA/AIPI Education Conference review______118 Thunder Bay, Ontario Dick Zoutman, MD. FRCPC Kingston, Ontario

EDITORIAL OFFICE Patricia Piaskowski, RN, HBScN, CIC DEPARTMENTS: Network Coordinator Northwestern Ontario Infection Control Network Editor’s Message______98 289 Munro Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 2N3 (807) 683-1747 Fax: (807) 683-1745 President’s Message______100 E-mail: [email protected] WEB COMMUNICATION MANAGER Message de la Présidente______102 Shirley McDonald, ART, CIC [email protected] Association News______127 CHICA CONNECTIONS - WEB DISCUSSION BOARD Reach Our Advertisers______144 Jim Gauthier, MLT, CIC [email protected] POSTING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES/OTHER INFORMATION VISION CHICA-Canada Membership Services Office CHICA-Canada will lead in the promotion of excellence [email protected] in the practice of infection prevention and control. Website: www.chica.org

MISSION PUBLISHER CHICA-Canada is a national, multidisciplinary, voluntary association of professionals. CHICA-Canada is committed to improving the health of Canadians by promoting excellence in the practice of infection prevention and control by employing evidence-based practice and application of epidemiological principles. This is accomplished through education, communication, standards, research and consumer awareness. 3rd Floor, 2020 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3J 0K4 The Canadian Journal of Infection Control is the official publication of the Community and Hospital Tel: (204) 985-9780 Infection Control Association (CHICA)-Canada. The Journal is published four times a year by Craig Fax: (204) 985-9795 Kelman & Associates, Ltd. and is printed in Canada on recycled paper. Circulation 3000. www.kelman.ca E-mail: [email protected] ©2008 Craig Kelman & Associates Ltd. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication, which does not necesserily reflect the opinion of the publisher or the association, may not be reproduced by any EDITOR - Cheryl Parisien means, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the publisher. DESIGN/PRODUCTION - Kevin Forde ISSN - 1183 - 5702 SALES MANAGER - Aran Lindsay Indexed/abstracted by the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, SilverPlatter Information Inc. and the International Nursing Index (available on MEDLINE through NLM MEDLARS Send change of address to: system). CHICA Canada The Canadian Journal of Infection Control is a “Canadian periodical’ as defined by section 19 of the P.O. Box 46125, RPO Westdale, Canadian Income Tax Act. The deduction of advertising costs for advertising in this periodical is therefore Winnipeg, MB R3R 3S3 not restricted. [email protected]

Publications Mail Agreement #40065075 SUBSCRIPTIONS Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Subscriptions are available from the publisher at the following rates: [email protected] All Canadian prices include GST. Prices are listed as personal/institutional. Canada: $30/$38 (GST # 100761253); USA (in US funds): $28/$36; Do your part for the environment, Other countries: $45/$60. reuse and recycle.

The Canadian Journal of Infection Control • SUMMER 2008 95 PLATINUM: • BD Ph: (905) 855-4640 CHICA–CANADA Fax: (905) 855-5515 GOLD: • Ecolab Healthcare 2008 Board of Directors

MEMBERS Ph: (651) 293-2914 (800) 352-5326 Fax: (651) 204-7372 SILVER: Executive Officers • 3M Healthcare President President-elect Secretary/Membership Director Ph: (519) 452-6069 Marion Yetman, RN, BN, MN, CIC Cathy Munford, RN, CIC Bern Hankinson, RN, BN, CIC Fax: (519) 452-6597 Provincial IC Nurse Specialist Infection Control Practitioner Infection Prevention & Control Pract Government of Newfoundland Victoria General Hospital Wetaskiwin Hospital • Vernacare Labrador 1 Hospital Way 6910 47th Street Ph: (416) 661-5552 ext. 232 Dept. of Health & Community Services Victoria BC V8Z 6R5 Wetaskiwin AB T9A 3N3 Cell: (416) 580-9301 1410 West Block, Confederation Bldg Tel: 250-727-4021 Tel: 780-361-4398 Fax: 250-727-4003 Fax: 403-361-4107 • Virox Technologies PO Box 8700 Ph: (800) 387-7578 St John’s NL A1B 4J6 [email protected] [email protected] (905) 813-0110 Tel: 709-729-3427 Fax: (905) 813-0220 Fax: 709-729-7743 Past President Director of Finance

CHICA-CANADA INDUSTRY CHICA-CANADA [email protected] Joanne Laalo, RN, BScN, CIC Cynthia Plante-Jenkins, MLT, BRONZE: Infection Control Consultant BSc(MLS), CIC • Abbott Laboratories Central South Infection Control Clinical Informatics Specialist - Lab Ph: (800) 465-8242 Network Trillium Health Centre Fax: (514) 832-7837 56 Governor’s Road 100 Queensway W Mississauga ON L5B 1B8 • Arjo Canada Dundas ON L9H 5G7 Phone: 905-627-3541 x 2484 Phone: 905-848-7580 ext.2927 Ph: (800) 665-4831 Fax: 905-804-7772 Fax: (800) 309-7116 Fax: 905-627-6474 [email protected] [email protected] • Covidien Ph: (514) 695-1220 ext. 3471 Fax: (514) 695-4261 Directors • Deb Canada Ph: (519) 443-8697 Director of Education Director, Programs & Projects Director, Standards & Guidelines Fax: (519) 443-5160 Donna Moralejo, PhD Karen Clinker, MEd, BScN, Bonnie Henry, MD, MPH, FRCPC Memorial University School of Nursing CCOHN, CIC Physician Epidemiologist • Ethicon, a Division of 300 Prince Philip Drive Infection Control Consultant BC Centre for Disease Control Johnson & Johnson Inc. St. John’s NL A1B 3V6 Northwestern Ontario IC Network 655 West 12th Ave Ph: (905) 946-2065 Tel: 709-777-6527 100 Casimir Ave, Suite 217, Box 116 Vancouver BC V5Z 4R4 Fax: (905) 946-3735 Fax: 709-777-7037 Dryden ON P8N 3L4 Phone: 604-660-1823 [email protected] Tel: 807-223-4408 Fax: 604-660-0197 • Laura Line Ph: (519) 748-9628 Fax: 807-223-4139 [email protected] Fax: (519) 895-2374 [email protected] Physician Director • Les Enterprises Solumed Dick Zoutman, MD, FRCPC Ph: (450) 682-6669 Other Positions Medical Director, IC Service Fax: (450) 682-5777 Archivist Clinical Editor Kingston General Hospital Mary LeBlanc, RN, BN, CIC Canadian Journal of 76 Stuart Street • Maxill 238 Mt. Lorette Place SE Infection Control Kingston ON K7L 2V7 Ph: (519) 631-7370 Calgary AB T2Z 2L9 Pat Piaskowski, RN, Phone: (613) 549-6666 Ext. 4015 Ph: (800) 268-8633 Tel: 403-686-8125 HBScN, CIC Fax: (613) 548-2513 (toll-free) [email protected] Fax: (519) 631-3388 Fax: 403-686-8104 Regional Coordinator [email protected] Northwestern Ontario IC • Pharmax Limited Network Ph: (416) 675-7333 Web Master 289 Munro Street Fax: (416) 675-9176 Shirley McDonald, ART, CIC Thunder Bay ON RR 3, 4759 Taylor-Kidd Blvd P7A 2N3 Membership • Rubbermaid Canada Bath ON K0H 1G0 Tel: 807-683-1747 Ph: (905) 281-7324 Tel: 613-389-9810 Fax: 807-683-1745 Services Office Fax: (905) 279-1054 Fax: 613-389-8468 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SERVICES OFFICE [email protected] Executive Administrator/ • SCICAN Conference Planner Ph: (416) 445-1600 Fax: (416) 445-2727 Distance Education Coordinator Gerry Hansen, BA Karen Dobbin-Williams, RN, BN PO Box 46125 RPO Westdale • Smith & Nephew 28 Dalhousie Crescent Winnipeg MB R3R 3S3 Ph: (519) 956-1477 Mount Pearl NL A1N 2Y4 Phone: 204-897-5990/866-999-7111 Cell: (519) 956-1414 Tel: 709-745-7341 Fax: 204-895-9595 [email protected] [email protected] • Steris Corporation Ph: (905) 677-0863 Deliveries only: Fax: (905) 677-0947 Professional Agents 67 Bergman Crescent

• The Stevens Company Legal Counsel Auditor Winnipeg MB R3R 1Y9 Ph: (905) 791-8600 Sidney Troister/S. Fay Sulley Philip Romaniuk CA Fax: (905) 791-6143 Torkin, Manes and Cohen Stefanson Lee Romaniuk Administrative Assistant

151 Yonge Street, Suite 1500 1151 Portage Avenue Kelli Wagner • Wood Wyant Toronto ON M5C 2W7 Winnipeg MB R3G 0S9 [email protected] Ph: (514) 636-9926 Phone: (416) 777-5419 Phone: (204) 775-8975 Fax: (514) 636-8722 Fax: (416) 863-0305 [email protected]

96 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents EDITORIAL

Meeting our customers’ needs: a more visible CJIC

ot too long ago a question We now live in an era where the was asked about why CJIC health care community and public articles were not located in a demand greater transparency and more public location on the access to information. Sharing our Nweb site. Currently abstracts and articles journal with the world through our are listed only on the members side of the website is part of this greater trans- Pat Piaskowski, RN, HBScN, CIC site. This question was brought forward parency. It allows viewers to see the Clinical Editor, to the Board of CHICA-Canada and quality of the journal articles and Canadian Journal of CJIC for further thought and deliberation. gives them easy access to this infor- Infection Control As a result and in response to this mation. enquiry, all past issues of CJIC will CJIC is the official publication be moved to the public side of the of CHICA-Canada and the vision website. The latest issue will be on the of CHICA is to “lead in the promo- members-only side of the website. tion of excellence in the practice of infection prevention and control”. The rationales for this move are to: The decision to share our journal on • provide easier access for those the public side of the website also doing research into infection pre- achieves some of our key values such vention and control. as “Accessibility and Responsive- • provide added value to advertisers. ness” and “Excellence in Quality and • encourage potential members Service.” through the quality of the publi- We anticipate a positive response cation. to this change on many fronts.

98 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

A true mosaic

tion prevention and control communi- Congratulations to the conjoint ties. This year’s registration surpassed conference committee on meeting the 725 attendees with representatives theme’s challenge of indeed creat- from eight countries. There were 106 ing a “mosaic” which consisted of a exhibiting companies and not-for-profit unique profession composed of varying Marion Yetman, RN, BN, MN, CIC organizations taking 110 booths and disciplines, across different settings President, CHICA-Canada adding 250 exhibitor representatives to and based on various knowledge and the total. We sincerely thank them and skill sets, all of which came together in our sponsors for their support. The 24 Montreal to enhance infection preven- oral and 58 poster presentations showed tion and control in Canada. the commitment of our members to It was exciting to be a member of “Education is the most powerful evidence-based practices and their will- the Network of Networks committee. weapon which you can use to change ingness to share their IP&C stories with This committee, consisting of repre- the world.” –Nelson Mandela their colleagues. The Chapter Presidents sentatives from each provincial infec- The 2008 conjoint conference of meeting and the Special Interest Group tion control network, has been estab- CHICA-Canada and AIPI provided a meetings were valued by members as lished to explore commonalities and unique opportunity for professionals venues to learn from each others’ expe- differences existing in infection control in infection prevention and control to riences and to collaborate on complex programs in Canada. Ms. Shirley Paton obtain the knowledge to help change the issues. There was an inaugural meeting and Dr. Tom Wong from the recently infection control world. This conference of the newest group, the Surveillance established division of “Communi- provided ample occasion to network and Applied Epidemiology Interest cable Disease and Infection Control” with peers, to interact with experts, Group (members who are epidemiolo- represented the Public Health Agency to learn from successes, to develop gists working with infection prevention of Canada at this meeting. strengths, and to build vibrant infec- and control divisions). Following the CHICA-Canada Conference, I had the honor of present- ing a report from CHICA-Canada at the CBIC and APIC board meetings held prior to the APIC conference. The CBIC board will have three Canadian mem- bers in January 2009: Dr. Kathryn Suh, CBIC 2009 physician director, Cathy Munford, CHICA 2009 president, and a CHICA ICP/CIC representative to be announced. According to the CBIC president, Deanie Lancaster, “The dis- tinction of being certified in your spe- cialty practice places you on the level of the best and brightest who choose to go a step beyond the ordinary.” I would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank-you to the CHICA Newfoundland Labrador Chapter which has given me tremendous guidance, friendship, and support during my term as the first CHICA-Canada president from Newfoundland Labrador.

100 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents MESSAGE DE LA PRÉSIDENTE Une véritable mosaïque tissages de cas de réussites, de dévelop- retenu et a créé une véritable « mosa- per des forces et de bâtir des commu- ïque » illustrant une profession unique nautés de gens dynamiques voués à la qui réunit des disciplines variées, prévention et au contrôle des infections. dans différents milieux et s’appuie Cette année, nous avons reçu quelque sur des connaissances et des compé- 725 participants provenant de huit pays. tences diverses; tous ces éléments se En tout, 106 entreprises ont participé sont emboîtés à Montréal dans le but au salon des exposants, occupant 110 d’enrichir le milieu de la prévention et stands et ajoutant 250 représentants du contrôle des infections au Canada. au nombre de personnes présentes. Ce fut un plaisir d’être membre Nous remercions sincèrement les du comité du réseau des réseaux. Ce exposants et nos commanditaires pour comité, qui regroupe des représentants Marion Yetman, Inf., B. Sc. inf., M. leur appui. Les 24 présentations orales de chaque réseau provincial de lutte Sc. inc., CIC President et 58 présentations par affiche ont contre les infections, a été instauré CHICA-Canada bien témoigné de l’engagement de nos afin d’explorer les points communs et membres à exercer selon des pratiques les différences entre les divers pro- fondées sur des faits. La réunion des grammes dans ce domaine au Canada. “L’éducation est l’arme la plus puis- présidents de section et les réunions des Mme Shirley Paton et le Dr Tom sante que nous puissions utiliser pour divers groupes d’intérêt spéciaux ont été Wong, de la division de la « lutte changer le monde.” – Nelson Mandela fort appréciées par les membres; ils y contre les maladies transmissibles et Le congrès de formation 2008, voient des lieux de rencontre où ils peu- les infections », récemment créée, ont organisé conjointement par CHICA- vent titrer profit de l’expérience d’autrui représenté l’Agence de la santé pub- Canada et l’AIPI, a fourni aux profes- et collaborer à des dossiers complexes. lique du Canada à cette réunion. sionnels de la prévention et du contrôle Il y a eu une réunion de lancement du Après le congrès de formation de des infections une chance unique tout nouveau groupe d’intérêt sur la sur- CHICA-Canada, j’ai eu l’honneur d’acquérir des connaissances afin de veillance et l’épidémiologie appliquée de présenter un rapport de CHICA- contribuer à changer le monde de la (membres qui sont des épidémiologistes Canada aux réunions du conseil lutte contre les infections. Ce congrès dans des divisions de prévention et de d’administration du CBIC et de a fourni d’innombrables occasions contrôle des infections). l’APIC, qui ont eu lieu avant le con- d’échanger entre collègues, d’interagir Félicitations au comité organisateur grès de l’APIC. Trois Canadiens sié- avec des experts, de tirer des appren- conjoint, qui a su concrétiser le thème geront au conseil d’administration du CBIC dès janvier 2009 : Dr Kathryn Suh, médecin-chef du CBIC, Cathy Munford, présidente 2009 de CHICA, ainsi qu’un représentant PCI/CIC de CHICA, qu’il reste à déterminer. Selon la présidente du CBIC, Deanie Lancaster, « la distinction que donne au professionnel la certification dans son domaine d’exercice lui permet de se hisser parmi les meilleurs et les plus talentueux, parmi ceux qui choisissent d’être au-dessus de l’ordinaire ». J’aimerais profiter de cette occa- sion pour remercier tout spécialement la section de Terre-Neuve-et-Labra- dor de CHICA, qui m’a généreuse- ment guidée, témoigné de l’amitié et appuyée tout au long de mon mandat à titre de première présidente de CHICA-Canada provenant de Terre- Neuve-et-Labrador.

102 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents APIC/CHICA-Canada/ Candace Friedman, BS, MT (ASCP), MPH, CIC (APIC) Ruth Curchoe, RN, MSN, CIC CBIC infection (CBIC) Margie Foster, RN, CIC (CHICA-Canada) Zahir Hirji, RN, BSc, BScN, prevention, control MHSC, CIC (CHICA-Canada) Sharon Krystofiak, MS, MS, MT (ASCP), CIC (APIC) and epidemiology: Rebecca L Lark, MD (APIC) Linda Laxson, RN, BSN, CIC (CBIC) Mary Jane Ruppert, RN (APIC) Linda Spaulding, RNC, CIC Professional and (APIC) practice standards

The following Professional Practice Stan- oping job descriptions, and providing dards have been revised by a committee criteria for performance evaluations. appointed by CHICA-Canada, APIC, and These standards encompass a broad CBIC. Your observations and comments spectrum of practice settings and on the new standards are welcome. professional backgrounds and include The Association for Professionals in key indicators that are designed to be Infection Control and Epidemiology, used in evaluating both the competency Inc (APIC) and the Community and of the individual and their practice. Hospital Infection Control Associa- The key indicators represent multiple tion-Canada (CHICA-Canada) collabo- skills considered necessary to meet the rated to craft this document, infection demands of the evolving health care prevention, control and epidemiology: environment. It is expected that the Professional and Practice Standards. ICP will meet or exceed the indicators Both professional organizations affirm associated with both the Professional their responsibility to their member- and Practice Standards. ships and the public they serve to In general, the standards will provide professional and practice remain stable over time as they reflect standards. This document replaces the each organization’s philosophy and 1999 edition. values; however, the indicators will be Standards are authoritative state- reviewed periodically to ensure that ments that reflect the expectations, they incorporate and address current values, and priorities of the profession. scientific knowledge, clinical practice, While voluntary, these standards pro- global issues, and technology. vide direction and a dynamic frame- work for the evaluation of practice I. PROFESSIONAL to address the needs of the custom- STANDARDS ers served. Standards also define the Professional Standards describe a profession’s accountability in terms of level of individual competence in desired outcomes for which infection the professional role. ICPs strive to prevention and control professionals maintain integrity and a high degree (ICPs) are responsible. These standards of competency through education, are designed to be used in identifying training, and certification. Profession- areas for professional growth, devel- als are expected to incorporate these

104 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents standards appropriate to their role and • Collaborates with other profes- 3. Ethics practice setting. Key indicators for sional organizations and aca- Makes decisions and performs activi- each standard are designed for use in demic entities to further the ties in an ethical manner. professional performance evaluation. prevention of infection. • Participates in professional orga- Indicators 1. Qualifications nizations and networking oppor- • Complies with laws and regulations. Meets recommended qualifications to tunities. • Holds paramount the confidential- practice in the profession. • Maintains current knowledge and ity, safety, health and welfare of functions well with electronic all persons in the performance of Indicators media, e.g., computers and hand professional duties. • Experienced healthcare profes- held devices, with which to com- • Practices in a nonjudgmental, sional with a health sciences back- municate in the IPC environment. nondiscriminatory manner with ground. • Becomes certified in infection prevention and control when eligible through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology. • Maintains certification.

2. Professional development Acquires and maintains current knowledge and skills in the area of infection prevention, control and epidemiology.

Indicators • Completes a basic infection pre- vention and control training course within the first six months of enter- ing the profession. • Demonstrates basic knowledge and advances his/her education, knowledge and skills as it relates to infection prevention and control in the following areas: o Epidemiology, including outbreak management o Infectious diseases o Microbiology o Patient care practices o Asepsis o Disinfection/sterilization o Occupational health o Facility planning/construction o Emergency preparedness o Learning/education principles o Communication o Product evaluation o Information technology o Program administration o Legislative issues/policy making o Research • Incorporates and disseminates research findings into practice, edu- cation, and/or consultation.

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click here to return to table of contents sensitivity to diversity. Indicators • Brings creativity and innovation • Acts in such a manner as to uphold • Establishes and works toward pro- to practice. and enhance personal and profes- fessional goals and objectives. • Seeks opportunities to influence sional honor, integrity, and dignity. • Performs regular self-evaluations and educate policymaking bodies • Engages in infection prevention to identify strengths and areas for and the public. and control research in a profes- improvement. • Collaborates and/or educates self sional manner. • Seeks constructive feedback with regard to the global infection • Collaborates with and supports regarding professional practice. prevention and control community. others to improve competency in • Keeps current on best practices the science of infection prevention, through evidence-based research, control, and epidemiology. consensus and guidelines. II. PRACTICE STANDARDS • Ensures transparency and disclo- • Participates in professional organi- ICPs strive to incorporate relevant sure in performing research or zations. components of these standards in their applying for grants. • Acknowledges the commitment to own practice. Key indicators for each • Builds professional reputation on protect clients through the support standard are designed to be used in personal merit. of safe practices and policies. personal and program development, • Refrains from competing unfairly evaluation, and enhancement. with others. 5. Leadership • Refuses gratuities, gifts, or favors 1. Infection prevention that might impair or appear to Serves as a leader, mentor, and role impair professional judgment, or model. and control practice offer any favor, service, or thing Incorporates into practice effective of value to obtain special advan- Indicators activities that are specific to the prac- tage. • Provides direction and works col- tice setting, the population served, and laboratively with others. the continuum of care. • Shares knowledge and expertise. 4. Professional • Mentors less experienced health Indicators accountability care providers/ancillary personnel. • Integrates surveillance findings into Responsible for the development, • Recognizes and supports the formal plans for improvement of evaluation, and improvement of his/her importance of research in shaping practice and patient outcomes in own practice in relation to the Practice the practice of infection prevention, various health care settings. Standards. control, and epidemiology. • Reviews, analyzes, and implements regulations, standards and/or guide- lines of applicable governmental agencies and professional organiza- tions. • Integrates relevant local, national and global public health issues into practice. • Analyzes and applies pertinent information from current scientific literature and publications. • Develops and implements policies and procedures based on currently accepted infection prevention and control best practices. • Ensures that findings, recommen- dations, and policies of the pro- gram are disseminated to appropri- ate groups or individuals. • Provides knowledge on the func- tion, role, and value of the program to customers.

2. Surveillance Uses a systematic approach to moni- tor the effectiveness of prevention

106 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents and control strategies that are consis- • Employs statistical techniques to Indicators tent with the organization’s goals and describe the data, calculate risk- • Stays current with developments in objectives. adjusted rates, and benchmark. infection prevention, control, and • Incorporates information technol- epidemiology. Indicators ogy and systems applications in the • Integrates into practice, policies, • Develops a surveillance plan analysis and dissemination of data. and procedures: based on the population(s) served, • Critically evaluates significance o Pertinent regulatory requirements services provided, and previous of findings and makes recommen- o Accreditation standards surveillance data. dations for improvement based on o Guidelines • Selects indicators and designs those findings. • Supports patients/families, admin- surveillance based on the projected istration, committees, health care use of the data. 4. Education providers, and ancillary staff in • Integrates pertinent regulatory Serves as an educator and educational infection prevention, control, and requirements. resource for health care providers, epidemiology issues. • Uses standardized definitions for ancillary staff, patients, families and • Provides input into patient safety the identification and classification the general public. and healthcare quality initiatives. of events, indicators, or outcomes. Indicators • Collaborates with community • Utilizes information technology • Assesses the needs of customers health organizations. and systems applications. and develops educational objec- • Reports epidemiologically sig- tives and strategies to meet those 6. Occupational nificant findings to appropriate needs. customers. health • Utilizes learning principles appro- Collaborates with occupational • Ensures requirements for commu- priate to the target audience. nicable disease reporting are met. health in the development of strate- • Utilizes appropriate information gies that address the risk of disease • Periodically evaluates the effective- technology in educational design ness of the surveillance plan and transmission to health care providers and delivery. and ancillary staff. modifies as necessary. • Collaborates in the development and delivery of educational pro- Indicators 3. Epidemiology grams and/or tools that relate to • Participates in development/ Applies epidemiologic principles and infection prevention, control, and review of occupational health statistical methods, including risk strati- epidemiology. policies and procedures related to fication and benchmarking, to identify • Evaluates the effectiveness of infection prevention and control. target populations, determine risk factors, educational programs and learner • Assists in the development of an design prevention and control strategies, outcomes. immunization program. analyze trends, and evaluate processes. • Consults on post-exposure proto- cols and activities related to com- Indicators 5. Consultation municable diseases. • Uses epidemiologic principles to Provides expert knowledge and guid- conduct surveillance and investi- ance in infection prevention, control, gations. and epidemiology.

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click here to return to table of contents o Evaluating technology and products brainstorming, etc. 7. Program o Developing policies and • Contributes epidemiologic skills to administration procedures improvement processes. and evaluation • Incorporates fiscal assessments into program evaluation and/or reports, 10. Research Systematically evaluates the effective- as applicable. Conducts, participates, evaluates and/ ness of the program appropriate to the • Develops and maintains a depart- or applies relevant research findings to practice setting. mental budget, as appropriate. infection prevention, control, and epi- demiology practice. Research includes Indicators informal epidemiologic studies, e.g., • Develops and reviews the effec- 9. Performance outbreak/cluster investigations, surveil- tiveness of the program goals and improvement lance findings, etc. objectives. Functions as an integral part of per- • Assures that customer needs/expec- formance improvement initiatives to Indicators tations are considered in the devel- promote positive patient and employee • Critically evaluates published opment and continuous improve- outcomes. research and incorporates appropri- ment of processes, products and ate findings. services. Indicators • Disseminates relevant research • Determines resource needs to • Identifies opportunities for findings through practice, education, accomplish the proposed goals and improvement based on observa- and/or consultation. objectives. tions, process and outcome indica- • Participates in infection preven- • Communicates resource needs to tors, and other findings. tion and control related research administration based on goals and • Acts as an agent of change and independently or collaboratively. objectives. participates in the change process. • Organizes and shares findings • Directs the organization’s infection from surveillance activities and/or 8. Fiscal responsibility prevention and control improve- outbreak investigations. Practices in a fiscally responsible and ment activities. • Publishes or presents research find- accountable manner. • Participates in the organization’s ings to assist in advancing the field multidisciplinary improvement of infection prevention, control and Indicators strategies. epidemiology. • Considers financial implications, • Utilizes established measurement • Incorporates cost analysis into safety and clinical outcomes when: tools and techniques, e.g., outbreak infection prevention and control o Making recommendations investigation, root cause analysis, research when possible.

Resources 1. Scheckler WE, Brimhall D, Buck AS, Farr BM, Friedman C, Garibaldi RA, et al. Requirements for infrastructure and essential activities of infection control and epidemiology in hospitals: a Consensus Panel Report. Am J Infect Control 1998; 26:47-60. 2. Friedman C, Barnette M, Buck AS, Ham R, Harris JA, Hoffman P, et al. Requirements for infrastructure and essential activities of infection control and epidemiology in out-of-hospital settings: a Consensus Panel report. Am J Infect Control 1999; 27(5):418-30. 3. The role of the infection control practitioner, CHICA-Canada. Can J Infect Control 1996; 11:36-7. 4. Horan-Murphy E, Barnard B, Chenoweth C, Friedman C, Hazuka B, Russell B, et al. APIC/CHICA-Canada Infection Control and Epidemiology: Professional and Practice Standards. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc., and the Community and Hospital Infection Control Association-Canada. Am J Infect Control 1999; 27(1):47-51. 5. Applied Management Professionals for Certification Board of Infection Control. A national job analysis of the infection control professional. Final report. Washington (DC): Applied Management Professionals for Certification Board of Infection Control; 2006. 6. APIC Code of Ethics. Am J Infect Control 1999; 27(1):51. 7. College of Nurses of Ontario Professional Standards http://www.cno.org/prac/profstandards.html [Accessed June 2, 2007] 8. National Association for Healthcare Quality Standards of Practice for Healthcare Quality Professionals http:// www.nahq.org//about/code.htm [Accessed June 2, 2007] 9. Standards of Practice in Oncology Social Work, 2001. http://www.aosw.org/html/prof-standards.php [Accessed June 2, 2007] 10. Lee TB, Montgomery, OG, Marx, J, Olmsted, RN, Scheckler, WE. Recommended practices for surveillance: Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), Inc. American Journal of Infection Control 2007; 35(7):427-440.

108 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents International Infection Control Council Global consensus conference on infection prevention and control practice for Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD)

BACKGROUND of mutual interest. The first project was the three countries together to discuss The International Infection Control a consensus conference on infection issues surrounding Clostridium difficile Council is comprised of three infection control issues and antimicrobial resis- associated disease. There were three prevention and control organizations tance. It was held in Toronto in 1999. plenary sessions that framed the issues headquartered in the United States, The recommendations from that for each country (US, Canada and UK). Canada and the United Kingdom: The consensus conference can be found on Then each invited expert was assigned Association for Professionals in Infection the associations’ websites. In addition to two of four workshops: Surveillance Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC), to the planning of this conference, the and Epidemiology; Environment and the Community and Hospital Infection Council undertook the development and Equipment; Treatment Measures/Anti- Control Association – Canada (CHICA- publication of three toolkits: The Infec- microbials; and Control Measures. Canada), and The Infection Control tion Control Toolkit for Pandemics and Nurses Association (ICNA now known Disasters (2004), The Infection Control as the Infection Prevention Society). Toolkit for Emergencies and Disasters EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The International Infection Control (revised 2007) and the Toolkit for Best OF CONFERENCE Council was established in 1997. The Infection Control Practices for Patients With the increase in C. difficile disease concept for its inception was to add to with Extended Spectrum beta Lac- in the 21st century, the International the expert resources available to mem- tamase Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL). Infection Control Council recognized bers of the three organizations through The purpose of the current consensus the need to address various infection collaborative development of projects conference was to bring experts from prevention and control questions. This

110 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents conference brought together experts 4. Environmental cleaning must occur Sarah Hahn from the United States, Canada and the using a sporicidal agent. Gerry Hansen, BA United Kingdom to discuss these ques- 5. A major equipment issue is the use Annette Jeanes, RN, Dip.N, Dip IC tions and propose consensus recom- and management of bedpans. MSC mendations. Areas for further research 6. Antibiotic stewardship is as impor- Sweetsy Joseph, BSc were also outlined. The discussions tant as any other control measure. Cassandra Lofranco focused on fours areas: Surveillance Pat Piaskowski, RN, HBScN, CIC and Epidemiology; Environment and Invited Experts Mary Schantz, BA Equipment; Treatment; and Control Michelle Alfa, PhD, FCCM Sue Sebazco, RN, BS, CIC Measures. Questions were posed by Daryl DePestel, PharmD facilitators and scribes outlined the Erik Dubberke, MD Funding recommendations. Rosemary Gallagher, RN This conference was sponsored by All groups determined that prac- Michael Gardam, MSc, MD, MSc, the Ontario Ministry of Health and tices should be consistent regardless FRCPC Long Term Care, the Ontario Pro- of healthcare setting. Key points made Carolyn Gould, MD, MSc vincial Infectious Diseases Advisory include the following: Dinah Gould, BSc, MPhil, PhD, RN Committee, Public Health Agency of 1. Surveillance is important for health- Jim Hutchinson, MD, FRCPC Canada, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. care facilities. However, there is Tom Louie, MD, FRCPC Experts were invited and all of their little value in nominal reporting to Jennie Mayfield, BSN, MPH, CIC travel and accommodation costs were public health. Mark Miller, MD met from the sponsorship funds. In 2. Consistent case definitions and rate G. Gopal Rao, MBBS, MD, FRCPath addition, the Centers for Disease denominators will assist in making Mike Rollins Control and Prevention, Division of comparisons. Mary Vearncombe, MD, FRCPC Healthcare Quality Promotion, pro- 3. Use of contact precautions is impor- vided speaker support. tant to control spread of disease. Organizing Committee Hand hygiene using soap and water Sandra Callery, RN, MHSc, CIC or alcohol-based hand rub is a criti- Teri Lee Dyke, RN, BSN, CIC More information can be found at cal part of the precautions. Candace Friedman, MPH, CIC www.chica.org

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click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents The members of CHICA-Canada further resolve that Resolution due to the large personal, social, health and economic con- sequences of Clostridium difficile, that the Federal, Pro- The following resolution was approved by CHICA-Canada vincial and Territorial governments of Canada support this members at the 2008 Annual General Meeting. Information Clostridium difficile research initiative by allocating $1.00 on the Research Grant Application will be posted on www. per Canadian towards a research fund aimed at the preven- chica.org and broadcast to CHICA members. tion, control and eradication of Clostridium difficile.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT: “The Power of One.” Due to the widespread infections caused by the bacterium Clostridium difficile that are occurring in hospitals across Signed this 5th day of June, 2008. Canada; due to the terrible suffering this infection inflicts upon those most vulnerable in our nation’s health care facili- (original signed by) ties; and due to the significant gaps in our knowledge on the prevention and control of this growing infectious disease threat; the members of the Community and Hospital Infection Marion Yetman, Control Association Canada (CHICA-Canada) are allocating President the sum of $50,000, entirely derived from its 1,500 members, to the development of a research fund for CHICA-Canada members dedicated to increasing our knowledge of the pre- Dick Zoutman, MD, FRCPC vention, control and eradication of Clostridium difficile. Physician Director

2009 CHICA-Canada Education Conference

Delta St. John’s/St. John’s Convention Centre St. John’s, Newfoundland Labrador May 9-14, 2009

Mark your calendars for the 2009 CHICA-Canada Education Conference. For more information, visit www.chica.org

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click here to return to table of contents CHICA-CANADA POSITION STATEMENT

Hand PARTICIPANTS

CHICA-Canada Standards and Guidelines Core Hygiene Committee

Chair: Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of • Before eating, preparing or serving Dr Bonnie Henry preventing the spread of infection. food, feeding a patient. Hand hygiene decreases the number of • Any time hands are visibly soiled. disease-causing organisms on the sur- Participants: *patient in this position statement face of your skin, and can be achieved refers to all patients, residents or cli- by either traditional handwashing, or Clare Barry, Bonnie Carter, ents in the healthcare setting. Barbara Catt, Pauline Fallis, Bern by using an alcohol-based hand rub Hankinson, Shirley McDonald, (ABHR) on the hands (1). Recent evidence has demonstrated Techniques: Karen Stockton, Betty Taylor. • For adequate hand hygiene remove the superiority of ABHR for decon- all hand and wrist jewelry or keep taminating hands in healthcare settings it out of the way prior to washing (2). CHICA-Canada recommends or rubbing. ABHR as the preferred method of hand • Rings have been shown to increase hygiene unless hands are visibly soiled. the number of microorganisms on If hands are visibly soiled, wash hands hands and increase the risk of tears with soap and warm, running water. in gloves; their use while providing care is discouraged (3). To be effective, perform hand hygiene: • Artificial nails and nail enhance- • Before entering and on exiting the ments have also been associated room or bedspace of a patient*. with increased transfer of micro- • After removing gloves. organisms and glove tears. They • After care involving the risk of or should not be worn by healthcare exposure to body fluids of a patient workers providing patient care. (e.g. toileting a patient or providing wound care). • After contact with items in the Hand Washing patient’s environment or contact To wash your hands, use warm, run- with their body substances. ning water, soap, and friction for at • Between different procedures on least 15 seconds. Wet hands, then the same patient. lather and clean all surfaces of the • Before and after performing inva- hands concentrating on fingertips, sive procedures. between fingers, nail beds, back • After performing personal func- of hands and base of thumbs and tions such as blowing your nose or thoroughly rinse after lathering and using the toilet. rubbing. Ideally, use individual paper

114 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents towels to pat hands dry. Turn off the taps with the paper towel to avoid recontaminating your hands. Bar soaps are not acceptable in healthcare settings except for single patient use. If used in this context ensure the soap is able to drain when not in use. Use liquid soap containers until empty and then discard; topping up has been associated with contamination. Plain soap is appropriate in most areas. Alcohol-based hand rub or anti- microbial soap may be used in criti- cal care areas or in other areas where invasive procedures are regularly performed.

Alcohol-based Hand Rub Ensure hands are visibly clean; apply the amount of product recommended by the manufacturer into one palm. This is often between 1-2 full pumps of the product or a ‘loonie’ sized amount. Spread the product over all surfaces of hands, concentrating on finger tips, between fingers, back of hands and base of thumbs. Rub hands until the product is completely dry; this will take at least 15-20 seconds if sufficient Canada Drugs and Health Products Ideally ABHR should be available product is used. Database, located at: to all healthcare workers (HCWs) at ABHRs available for, and widely http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/ the point-of-care. An institutional risk used in, health care settings range prodpharma/databasdon/index-eng.php assessment should be completed to in concentration from 60% to 90% When dealing with spore-forming determine the most appropriate areas alcohol (4). Concentrations higher bacteria (e.g. Clostridium difficile) for placement of ABHR in every facil- than 90% are less effective because handwashing is preferred as ABHRs ity. Locked, tamper proof containers proteins are not denatured easily in have limited effectiveness in killing should be used. the absence of water. A recent study spores; therefore physical removal of suggests that norovirus is inactivated spores by handwashing is required. Skin Care by alcohol concentrations ranging However, when providing patient care Hand lotions or creams should be avail- from 70% to 90% (5). Norovirus and where handwashing facilities are not able to minimize any skin irritation or other non-enveloped viruses (e.g. immediately available, hands should be breakdown caused by hand hygiene. rotavirus, enterovirus) cause acute decontaminated with ABHR which is To be effective HCWs must use the gastroenteritis in humans and are a effective against the vegetative forms skin care products regularly. Healthcare frequent cause of outbreaks in health of the bacteria and then hands washed facilities should develop a proactive care facilities. Since norovirus is a as soon as possible. program to keep hands healthy so hand concern in all health care settings, Care should be taken to ensure hands hygiene can be optimal. Engaging this should be taken into consid- are completely dry after use of ABHR HCWs and occupational health experts eration when choosing an ABHR to reduce the fire risk from vapours. in design of a program has been shown product. It is preferable that a mini- While this is a rare event there has been to increase its effectiveness. Key parts mum concentration of 70% alcohol at least one recorded instance of a fire of a skincare program include: be chosen in healthcare settings. The related to use of ABHR in oxygen rich • Provision of efficacious skin care active concentration of alcohol in environments. In this case hands of the products and barrier creams that products may be checked by search- healthcare worker were still ‘wet’ with do not interfere with the persistent ing on the DIN number in the Health the ABHR when the fire ignited (6). antimicrobial effect of the hand

116 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents hygiene agent being used. REFERENCES • Positioning of skin care products as close as possible to areas where 1. Handwashing, cleaning, disinfection and sterilization in healthcare, Public hand hygiene is performed. Health Agency of Canada (1998). • Use of dispensers that are of suffi- cient quality that they will not clog 2. Kac G, Podglajen I, Gueneret M, Vaupre S, Bissery A, Meyer G. or leak. Microbiological evaluation of two hand hygiene procedures achieved by • Use of dispensers that can be easily healthcare workers during routine patient care: a randomized study. Journal flagged for disposal when empty. of Hospital Infection (2005)60, 32-39. • Use of products that do not have adverse effects on gloves. 3. Fagernes M, Lingaas E, Bjark P. Impact of a Single Plain Finger • Use of warm but not hot water for Ring on the Bacterial Load on the Hands of Healthcare Workers. ICHE handwashing. 2007;28(10):1191-1195 • Placement of dispensers to mini- 4. Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings, Recommendations mize splashing or dripping onto of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee and the adjacent wall and floor surfaces. HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA Hand Hygiene Task Force (2003).

Effective hand hygiene must be an 5. Gehrke C, Steinmann J, Goroncy-Bermes P. Inactivation of feline individual and an institutional priority. calicivirus, a surrogate of norovirus (formerly Norwalk-like viruses), by Literature has shown multifaceted hand different types of alcohol in vitro and in vivo. Journal of Hospital Infection hygiene programs developed by mul- (2004)56, 49-55 tidisciplinary groups within healthcare settings are the most effective; Infection 6. Kramer A and Kampf G. Hand Rub-Associated Fire Incidents During Control Professionals have and continue 25,038 Hospital-years in Germany. Infect Control and Hospital Epi to play a key role in these programs. (2007)Volume 28,(6); 745 – 746.

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click here to return to table of contents CHICA/AIPI 2008 Education Conference CHICA Montreal – Merci! Merci! Thank you to the members of CHICA Montreal who gave great support to the planning and facilitation of the 2008 CHICA/AIPI Education Conference. Without their help, the conference would not have been as successful. Whether they participated as a speaker, moderator, monitor, coordi- nating the Run for IFIC, or organizing the CHICA Montreal table, all chapter members gave freely of their time and expertise. Certainly their hospitality was warm and welcoming. CHICA-Canada 2008 Chapter Presidents Thank you especially to the follow- ing CHICA Montreal members: Chap- ter President Silvana Perna; Frédérica Gaspard for organizing the Run for IFIC; Frédérica Gaspard and Ramona Rodrigues for representing CHICA Montreal on the 2008 Core Committee; those who coordinated and assisted at the Silent Auction and craft table; and those who ran out for fresh bagels! Our sincerest thanks to all.

CHICA-Canada board of directors (l to r): Cynthia Plante-Jenkins, Karen Clinker, Donna Moralejo, Bern AIPI Executive (l to r): Lucie Hankinson, Cathy Munford, Marion Yetman, Bonnie Bellehumeur, Luce Landry, Lyne St-Martin, Henry, Dick Zoutman, Joanne Laalo. Joanne Lavoie, Julie Vigneault, Danielle Goulet. Missing: Luce Chretien.

118 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents CHICA/AIPI 2008 Education Conference

2008 Conference Sponsors

Platinum:

Gold:

Silver:

Bronze:

Supporters:

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage. Nouse reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernememnt du Canada par l’entremise du ministère du Patrimoine canadien.

120 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents CHICA/AIPI 2008 Education Conference of a decision aid about influenza pre- • Krista Cardamone, Evaluation Of AWARD WINNERS vention for healthcare workers (Cana- Microbial Contamination Of Bone 3M Chapter Achievement Award dian Journal of Infection Control, Vol. Marrow Harvest At A Paediatric Toronto Professionals in Infection 22, No. 4, Winter 2007) Hospital Control (TPIC) • Deborah Hobbs, The Use Of 2008 Best First-Time Abstract Chlorhexidine Gluconate Dis- Submission Julie Carbonneau, Ste- posible Washcloths To Reduce Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, for her Transmission Of Vancomycin abstract: Le triage informatisé : une Resistant Enterococci On Two approche proactive d’endiguement Nephrology Units d’une éventuelle pandémie Questions that Caused a Pause 2008 Solumed Best Oral Presenta- – Best submission Complimentary tion #1 Melody Cordoviz, Edmonton, 2009 conference registration: Suzanne Alberta for her presentation: Lights, Leroux, Verdun, Quebec Camera, Action: Being an Infection Control Paparazzo (ICP). PRIZE WINNERS Early Bird Draw Complimentary 2009 2008 Solumed Best Oral Presenta- Conference Registration: Joy Pyett, tion #2 Lina Moisan, Laval, Quebec, Vernon BC (CHICA), Marie-Paule for her presentation: Do you know Parent, Romuald, Quebec (AIPI) what’s on your hands and pagers? Or, Annual General Meeting Atten- Maja McGuire, President of Toronto how to sensitize Healthcare Workers to dance Complimentary 2009 Member- Professionals in Infection Control (TPIC) the Importance of Hand Hygiene receives 2008 3M Chapter Achievement Award ship: Betty Taylor, Winnipeg, Manitoba from Christian Blyth of 3M Canada. Best Poster Presentation #1 2008 Ecolab Poster Contest Ellen Exhibit Passport Winners: Jennifer Grant, Vancouver, BC, for Otterbein, Waterloo Wellington Infec- GPS – May Griffiths-Turner, Hamil- her presentation: Antibiotic Use and tion Control Network ton, Ontario Susceptibility Patterns in one Reha- GPS – Andrée Bouchard, Roberval, bilitation and Two Long Term Care Quebec Institutions. Digital Camera – Carolyn Doroschuk, Edmonton, Alberta Best Poster Presentation #2 iPod – Michelle Lapointe, Montreal, Johanne Gagne, Montreal, Quebec Quebec for her presentation: Pratiques de Two books: Hopelessly Human Nurse Base et Preautions Additionalles; series – Connie Gittens Webber, Ham- Testez vos Connaissances par le ilton, Ontario Bingo Portable DVD Player – Cécile GermBuster Jim with Karen Clinker (CHICA Director of Programs & Projects), Ellen Otterbein Plouffe, Lachute, Quebec (winner of 2008 Ecolab Poster Contest) and Doug Best six abstracts chosen by the Hons (Ecolab Healthcare). Abstracts Committee: Cardinal Health • Clare Barry, Learning’s from Pedometer Contest: Ontario Just Clean Your Hands Level 1 – Cathy Munford, Victoria, BC Program Pilot Phase Level 2 – Abimbola Forde, Toronto, • Marie-Andrée Bruneau, A Success Ontario Story: Personal Protective Equip- Level 3 – Kathy Bush, Calgary, Alberta ment (PPE) Training • Christine Chambers, The Effects Pat Piaskowski (CHICA Clinical Editor) with Of Inadequate Facilities On Donna Baker who represented the authors of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococ- the winning 2007 Editorial Award. cus Aureus (MRSA) And Vancomy- 2007 Editorial Award Larry Cham- cin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bers, Shannon Sullivan, Anne McCar- Rates In Vascular Surgery Patients thy, Annette O’Connor, Frank Knoefel, • Victoria Williams, Utility Of Envi- Jane Sutherland, Donna Pierrynowski, ronmental Sampling For The Pre- Donna Baker, Joanne Villeneuve, Paula vention Of Vancomycin Resistant Arnold; Development and evaluation Enterococci (VRE) Transmission 2007 Virox Scholarship winners.

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click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents CHICA/AIPI 2008 Education Conference he 3rd annual Run for IFIC was held in beautiful Old TMontreal on Monday, June 2. Despite an early morning mist, 26 hardy 5K runners and 2.5K walkers laced up to raise funds for the schol- arship program of the International Federation of Infection Control. In 2007, 11 persons from develop- ing countries received scholarship fund support to attend the annual IFIC conference in Hungary. In order to qualify for support from the IFIC Scholarship Fund, aspir- Run ing candidates must submit a poster or oral presentation to be reviewed for potential acceptance by a highly qualified panel. An oral presentation for is preferred. Scholarship winners in Budapest were from Algeria, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Israel, Malta, Pakistan, IFIC and Vietnam. (Some countries had more than one winner.) In recogni- tion of her work for IFIC, the schol- arship program has been re-named the Patricia Lynch Scholarship Fund. Through the annual Run for IFIC, CHICA-Canada has been able to add to this support while providing a fun and memorable event for partici- pants. The 2008 contribution to IFIC will surpass $5800 with approximately $3300 coming from pledges and $2500 from CHICA-Canada.

The Run for IFIC prize winners were: Fastest Runners: Jim Gauthier and Marion Yetman Fastest MD: Bonnie Henry Fastest Walker: Kathy Bush Most Pledges: Nicole Gartner

CHICA-Canada joins with IFIC in thanking CHICA Montreal for their support of the Run for IFIC. We thank Les enterprises Solumed for their financial support of the run, and we especially thank Frédérica Gas- pard of CHICA Montreal and JPdL Ltd. for the organization of the 2008 Run for IFIC.

The Canadian Journal of Infection Control • SUMMER 2008 123

click here to return to table of contents 2008 Ecolab Poster Contest Ellen Otterbein of the Waterloo Wellington Regional Infection Control Network is the winning artist for the 2008 Ecolab Poster Contest. With the theme “Antibiotic Resistant Organisms – A Call to Action!” the graphic represents the germbuster SuperHero, whose simple but effective message is that routine practices stop the spread of AROs and save lives. The 2008 poster was launched in Montreal with the assistance of Germbuster Jim! The 2008 contest was hosted by CHICA SOPIC and sponsored by Ecolab Healthcare.

124 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents CIRCLE MONTREAL, PQ SESSION CHICA/AIPI 2008 - CD/MP3 ORDER FORM NUMBER

Novice Practitioner Day AP3 - Project Evaluation in Infection Prevention and Control NP1(F) The ABC’s of Infection Control AP4(F) - The ABCs of Infection Control NP2 - Core Competencies For ICPs AP5 - Empowering and Advancing Your Career NP3 - Core Competencies For Healthcare Workers NP4 - Critical Thinking - Moving From Black to White to Grey Pre Conference Day NP5 - Internet Resources 101 PC1 - The Role of the Environment in Transmission NP6(F) - Overview of the Audit Process PC2 - ...From Conference Room to Bedside NP7(F) - Audit Tools PC3(F) - Hygiene and Sanitation - Towards New Horizons NP8(F) - Sharing Results to Implement Changes PC4 - Quebec Reference Centre for Sterilization PC5 - Mini-Symposium Plenary Sessions PC6 - Benchmarking P1 - Keynote - Dr. Samantha Nutt PC7 - Real Time Surveillance P2 - MRSA - International Lessons Learned PC8 - Surveillance Programs Across Canada P3 - C. difficile Consensus Conference Recommendations PC9 - Who Are We? P4 - Leadership Moving From Attitude To Implementation PC10 - What Are The Challenges? P5 - Professional Practice Standards - Newly Revised PC11 - Providing Patient Care With Optimal IP&C Practices P6 - The Challenge of the New IP&C Accreditation Standard PC12 - PHC an Important Part of the Healthcare Mosaic? P7 - Efforts in Dealing With Hospital Cross-Infection PC13 - PreHospital...Important Pt. Healthcare Mosaic/ Q & A P8 - Team Building P9 - IP&C Vignettes - Questions That Caused a Pause Preparing For The Pandemic C8 - Risky Business: Risk Assessment In Rountine Practices CONCURRENT SESSIONS Sterilization and Disinfection Pediatrics C1 - Third Party Reprocessing C10 - Evolution Of IP&C in Pediatrics Community Issues C11 - Toy Management - It’s Not Child’s Play! C2 - Jurisdiction and Authority...First Nations Reserves C12(F) MRSA OutBreak Management in Neonatal ICU C3 - Meeting The Challenge Of Implementing IP&C Long Term Care Oral Presentations C4 - Guidelines for Pet Therapy O1 - Space and Design C5 - How Do You Spell Help? ORIENTATION! O2 - Risk Factors For Infection Clinical Microbiology O3 - Education Strategies For ICPs C6(F) - From Lab to Clinic O4 - Planning and Teamwork C7 - Specimen Procurement and Handling O5 - Education Across The Continuum O6 - Hand Hygiene Advanced Practitioner Day O7 - Surveillance and Screening AP1(F) - Communication Strategies: Getting...Point Across O8 - Environment in IP&C AP2 - Costing and Preparation of a Business Case * All Sessions are in English Unless Marked “F” for French

**New - Downloadable MP3s** Email instructions will be sent to you for downloading the MP3 NAME Audio CDs @ $15.00 ea. x______= $ ______ADDRESS 5 CDs @ $12.00 ea. = $60.00 = $ ______10 CDs @ $10.00 ea. = $100.00 = $ ______CITY & Prov/State 20 plus CDs @ $8.00 ea. = $160.00 = $ ______Downloadable MP3s @ $8.00 ea. x______= $ ______Zip or Postal Code 5 MP3s @ $7.00ea. x______= $ ______10 MP3s @ $6.00ea. x______= $ ______Phone: 20 or more MP3s @ $5.00ea. x______= $ ______Full Set of CDs (50%Off)(Free Postage)=$400.00 = $ ______Email: Full Set of MP3s (50%Off)(Free Postage)=$200.00 = $ ______Postage: Postage = $ ______Please Print CARD No. Clearly Visa • MasterCard • AMEX $7.00 for 1st CD/DVD $1.00 for add. CDs/DVDs ($15.00 Max.) GST Incl. 100% Warranty TOTAL = $ ______

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Order Online, Mail or Fax to: KENNEDY RECORDINGS E-MAIL: SALES@KENNEDYRECORDINGS .COM 537 LESSARD DR., EDMONTON, AB, CANADA T6M 1A9 WEB SITE: WWW.KENNEDYRECORDINGS .COM PH./FAX. (TOLL FREE) 1-888-486-1335/1-866-247-1335 click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents ASSOCIATION NEWS

CHICA MEMBER WINS HEROES OF INFECTION PREVENTION AWARD

IPC program began the site investigator training days. Each site investigator received a manual, samples of personal pro- tective equipment (PPE), waterless hand gel, hand hygiene resources and other informative products/materials. Follow- up workshops were held for all site investigators in June 2005 for two days and June 2007 for a one-day session. In 2003 a restructure of the region occurred in East Central Health. The region currently consists of 21 health centres, 9 acute sites and 12 continuing care sites. Denise has based her program on evidence-based prac- tices and based on best practices advocated and implemented policies, education sessions, and promoted new products. Denise held a trial study for urinary tract infections (UTI) related to urinary catheterizations. She has introduced prod- ucts such as waterless hand gel to the region. She developed a self-study manual in 2003 and revised it again in 2006, developed an outbreak management P&P in acute care and in continuing care, self-study modules on respiratory and gastrointestinal outbreaks, and shared these with staff Marion Yetman (left) with Denise Sorel. development for ongoing education sessions. In 2003, East Central Health experienced a Methicillan Resistant Staphlo- enise Sorel, BScN, RN, CIC of East Central Health, coccus Aureus (MRSA) outbreak and once again Denise Camrose, Alberta was named one of APIC’s Heroes developed a P&P, forms for consistent data collection, edu- Dof Prevention at APIC’s 2008 conference in Denver. cation for staff, families, patients and management. Denise was hired as program lead for East Central In addition, Denise has been an active member of the Alberta Health Infection Prevention Control in 1999. She was Health & Wellness, Pandemic Planning and MRSA work- the only infection prevention control professional for the ing groups. In 2005-06 she was the president of the Northern region. In April 2000 the program received a mediocre Alberta CHICA chapter. Denise has presented at the East amount of clerical assistance. The enterostomal therapy Central Health Board Members retreat. In June 2007, Denise nurse also reported to her. presented at the international CHICA conference held in With great passion and eagerness Denise developed and Edmonton, Alberta on outbreak management. Denise interfaces implemented the infection control program. At that time the with provincial quality councils and the college of physicians. region consisted of approximately 1200 continuing care beds She has been participative in numerous external and internal and 400 acute beds. One of the first things she implemented committees because of her expertise in infection control. was an Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Policy and Pro- Denise has attended courses and successfully completed cedure (P&P) manual. Denise also performed numerous site her CIC recertification in the fall of 2006. The IPC pro- training sessions on antibiotic-resistant organisms, influenza gram in East Central Health has now granted approval for preventive measures, standard & transmission-based precau- a full-time IPC practitioner who will report directly to her. tions, just to name a few. Denise also in-serviced specialty As of July 1, 2007 the clerical support for the IPC program programs (community living, disability associations) in increased to a full-time position. several communities within the region on hand hygiene and In summary, Denise won this prestigious award because standard precautions. Her interactive abilities to share her of her passion for infection prevention control, advocacy knowledge and educate the staff are exemplary. for patient/staff safety, skills, mentorship role, and leader- In January 2001, the region identified the need to have ship in the field of IPC. CHICA-Canada proudly congratu- site-specific liaisons in each community. In June 2001 the lates Denise for her achievements.

The Canadian Journal of Infection Control • SUMMER 2008 127

click here to return to table of contents CHICA at APIC

Gerry Hansen, Karen Clinker and Sandra Canadians and friends at APIC! Callery at CHICA-Canada booth at the 2008 APIC conference. Thanks also to Ellen Otterbein, Marion Yetman, and Paul Webber for helping at the booth.

128 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents National • Infectious • Diseases • Day

ark your calendar for October 23, 2008, Canada’s M second National Infectious Diseases Day (NIDD). On October 18, 2007 Canada’s infectious diseases sector launched a call for a National Infectious Diseases Strategy (NIDS) in meetings with members of Parliament, a press confer- ence and luncheon in Ottawa. The event showed a strong support and interest from media and public in our members’ work. You can see the NIDS position paper at www.nidd.ca In November, 2007 the federal government established a working group led by the Public Health Agency of Canada to begin work on a national strategy. CHICA-Canada and our NIDD partners have committed to work coop- eratively to achieve an effective and comprehensive national strategy to help prevent and treat infectious diseases. At the same time, the sector part- ners (CHICA-Canada, AMMI Canada, Canadian Foundation of Infectious Dis- eases (CFID), Canadian Association for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (CACMID), and industry) were developing a three-year campaign to educate Canadians and keep up the pressure to ensure Canada has a NIDS. 3. Infrastructure and system capacity conference and luncheon for govern- This spring they approved a business building: ment officials and leaders of other plan, memorandum of understanding • Surveillance capability national healthcare associations. and campaign themes for 2008. • Diagnostic capability including rapid A speaker on Europe’s successful While the three-year campaign has diagnostics and universal screening approaches to HAI will challenge an overriding goal of a national strat- • Education (including appropriate Canadians to improve our perfor- egy, each year will focus on a specific use of antimicrobials) mance. The afternoon will be an inter- goal that gets us much closer to our • Research capability (including nal discussion on ID sector priorities in target. enhanced information/data) our engagement with governments in 2008’s campaign is ambitious: To • Infection prevention & control exper- the next year. secure by June 2009, a national com- tise and local operational supports. The communications committee is mitment to a 50 per cent reduction preparing for various public education in healthcare-associated MRSA and An executive committee led by Dr. activities including media outreach, cam- Clostridium difficile. Ray Saginur, president of CFID and paign kits, website content, and work- representing member associations shops on ID. Our members are organiz- 2008 objectives include: and industry is currently developing a ing media training sessions to help our 1. Health, health system, and financial position paper on HAI, working com- spokespersons deliver our strategy’s key benefits which the public can under- mittees are developing other annual messages and respond to the increased stand and providers get behind. campaign activities. interest from national and health targeted 2. Observable measurable posi- The lobbying committee plan for media in ID health-related issues. tive results relative to MRSA and this year’s campaign includes visits Please watch www.nidd.ca for addi- C.difficile. with members of Parliament, press tional information.

130 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

CHICA-CANADA REPRESENTATIVE TO NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMMUNIZATION (NACI) ACI is a national committee of the final votes are for members only. • Has the time, personal commit- recognized experts in the fields CHICA-Canada is seeking a representa- ment, and support of their institu- N of pediatrics, infection preven- tive to NACI for a three-year term effec- tion to serve CHICA-Canada and tion and control, infectious diseases, tive September 15, 2008. The next meet- NACI through this position. immunology, medical microbiology, ing of NACI is scheduled for October internal medicine and public health. The 15-16, 2008 in Ottawa. Travel expenses APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE: Committee reports to the Chief Public will be paid by CHICA-Canada (Travel • A letter from applicant expressing Health Officer of Canada, and works Expense Form 7). Meetings are held three interest in the position and demon- with departmental staff of the Centre times per year for two-three days with strating suitability for the position. for Infectious Disease Prevention and reading preparation of approximately one • A curriculum vitae that includes Control (CIDPC) of the Public Health day prior to each meeting (documents for details as to expertise in Infection Agency of Canada to provide ongo- review are sent by email approximately Prevention and Control with specif- ing and timely medical, scientific and 10 days before each meeting). ics relating to the topic. public health advice. Applicants must possess the fol- • Professional education, specialty NACI makes recommendations for lowing qualifications and agree to the training and expertise, and CHICA- the use of vaccines currently or newly following terms: Canada involvement such as approved for use in humans in Canada, • A current (2008) member of service as a CHICA-Canada Board including the identification of groups CHICA-Canada, having held mem- Member, as a chapter executive, at risk for vaccine-preventable disease bership for at least five years. or on a CHICA-Canada Standing for whom vaccine programs should be • Must have a Certification in Committee. targeted. All NACI recommendations Infection Control & Epidemiol- on vaccine use in Canada are pub- ogy (CIC) or specialty training in Applications must be received no later lished every four years in the Canadian epidemiology, infectious diseases than September 5, 2008. Immunization Guide. Additional state- or community medicine. ments and updates are published in the • Master’s preparedness is helpful Applications should be forwarded to: Canada Communicable Disease Report but not mandatory. (CCDR). NACI also advises on the • A minimum of five years’ experience Executive Administrator, need for national vaccination strategies in Infection Prevention and Control CHICA-Canada and makes recommendations for vac- and/or Infectious Diseases with PO Box 46125 RPO Westdale cine development research. specialized knowledge of Infection Winnipeg MB R3R 3S3 Terms of Reference for NACI can Prevention and Control in the topic. be found at http://www.phac-aspc. • Skills in critically appraising litera- Or by fax: 204-895-9595 gc.ca/naci-ccni/tor-eng.php ture and a good understanding of Or by email: [email protected] CHICA-Canada is a liaison member research designs and methodology. Or by courier to: of NACI. Liaison representatives may • Sound knowledge of al vaccine 67 Bergman Crescent participate in all discussions; however, preventable diseases. Winnipeg MB R3R 1Y9

132 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 2010 SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM COMMITTEE • A minimum of 5 years experience in Infection Prevention and Control and/or Infectious Diseases with specific expertise in the setting for which a representative is sought. • Good interpersonal and communi- cation skills. • Professional involvement with CHICA-Canada in a Chapter Executive role, as Chair of an Interest Group or CHICA-Canada Committee. • Experience in the planning of scientific programs for professional conferences (local, regional or Background • Community/Public Health Rep- national) would be an asset. resentative (for 2010 and 2011 • Has the time, personal commitment The CHICA-Canada 2010 Scientific Pro- conferences) and support of their institution to gram Committee is a national committee • Medical Microbiology/Infectious serve CHICA-Canada through this whose mandate is to plan, develop and Disease Physician (for 2010 and position. ensure completion of the scientific pro- 2011 conferences) gram committee for the 2010 National APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE: Education Conference. The 2010 • A letter from applicant indicating National Education Conference will Meeting Schedule and the position of interest, and demon- take place at the Sheraton Wall Centre, Expenses strating suitability for the position. Vancouver (May 29-June 3, 2010). The Scientific Program Committee meets • A curriculum vitae that includes The 2010 committee is comprised of twice in-person (for each conference) details as to the candidate’s back- the following geographically diverse rep- and then communicates through email or ground in Infection Prevention and resentatives of various practice settings: conference calls. The first meeting of the Control/Infectious Diseases. 2010 Conference Chair – Cathy 2010 Scientific Program Committee is • Professional education, specialty Munford RN CIC, Victoria BC scheduled for October 4/5 in Vancouver. training and expertise, and CHICA- 2010 Scientific Program Chair – Jim The first meeting of the 2011 Scientific Canada involvement such as Gauthier MLT CIC, Kingston ON Program Committee will be scheduled service as a CHICA-Canada Board 2010 Scientific Program Co-Chair for the fall of 2009 (location TBA). Member, as a chapter executive, – Vacant CHICA-Canada pays the expenses or on a CHICA-Canada Stand- 2009/2010 Acute Care Represen- for committee members to attend ing Committee, Interest Group or tative – Molly Blake BN MHS the conferences they have planned. Conference Planning Committee. GNC(C) CIC, Winnipeg MB CHICA-Canada pays the expenses of 2009/2010 Long Term Care Rep- committee members to attend the 2010 Applications must be received no later resentative – Lee Hanna RN CIC, and 2011 conferences. than September 5, 2008. Edmonton AB 2010/2011 Community/Public Qualifications Applications should be forwarded to: Health Representative – Vacant Applicants must possess the follow- 2010/2011 Medical Microbiol- ing qualifications and agree to the Executive Administrator, ogy/Infectious Disease Physician following terms: CHICA-Canada – Vacant • A current (2008) member of PO Box 46125 RPO Westdale CHICA-Canada, having held mem- Winnipeg MB R3R 3S3 Call for Applications bership for at least 5 years. CHICA-Canada is seeking three candi- • Must have a Certification in Or by fax: 204-895-9595 dates to fill the positions of: Infection Control & Epidemiol- Or by email: [email protected] • Scientific Program Co-Chair (will ogy (CIC) or specialty training in Or by courier to: become Scientific Program Chair epidemiology, infectious diseases 67 Bergman Crescent for 2011 conference) or community medicine. Winnipeg MB R3R 1Y9

134 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents ASSOCIATION NEWS

Working Together

Brenda Dyck

renda Dyck got her start in infec- Seven Oaks is a community hospital working in a team where you meet once a tion prevention and control in in Winnipeg with 300-plus beds. It was week and have to discuss issues with the B1980, just as Seven Oaks General an ideal location to start on the path team. Your decision might not be what Hospital in Winnipeg opened. She had of infection prevention and control, everyone else agrees with,” says Brenda. been working as a public health nurse because everyone knew everyone else, “But they were all great to work with.” and was looking for a change when an and the environment fostered a strong Working with an infection prevention Infection Prevention and Control posi- teamwork ethic. and control medical director was also tion opened up in the new hospital. In 1987, she moved to Health Sci- new, since at Seven Oaks she reported to Infection prevention and control was ences Centre. This hospital is a teaching the director of nursing. Brenda was very in its early days, and starting a brand new hospital with multiple areas and disci- fortunate to work for two medical direc- position in a brand new hospital turned plines to be responsible for. There was tors for the years she was at HSC and out to be good way to enter the profes- a team of four infection control practi- they provided her with a strong basis of sion, says Brenda. tioners (ICPs) plus an infection preven- infection prevention and control for the “It was great to be there on the ground tion and control medical director. Each development of her career. floor to develop and tailor the program of the ICPs covered certain parts of the She worked at HSC for 17 years and to the hospital. I had supportive manage- hospital. Brenda was responsible for the found it a very fulfilling place to work. ment and the staff were all new and learn- medicine dialysis and rehab programs. It was much busier than Seven Oaks and ing. There wasn’t a lot of resistance to “It was difficult at first to go from that was an adjustment at first. She found change because it was new to everyone.” working independently as a lone ICP to that her years at HSC were a great learn-

136 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents ing experience. It was a very diversified hospital which therefore provided her with learning in many aspects of infec- tion prevention and control. She now works as the Program Direc- tor of the regional infection prevention “Bug a Doc!” and control program at the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA). They have a specialty – infectious disease, Like her first position at Seven Oaks, microbiology, epidemiology – that enhances it was a new one. Her first goal was to the practice of infection prevention and develop a regional infection prevention control. and control program for the WRHA. “It They should be part of CHICA-Canada. has been another big learning curve, but I had support from colleagues as well as If you have a ‘Doc’ in your department who is the WRHA.” not yet a CHICA-Canada member, encourage A regional infection prevention and your ‘Doc’ to join CHICA. Their immediate control manual has been completed, and benefit is an expansion of their professional she is now in the process of developing resources and networking opportunities. Go more regional policies and rolling out to our website and see the many benefits regional programs such as hand hygiene. available to membership so you will have the information on hand when the discussion Being an active member of CHICA- comes up! Canada and working with her colleagues in CHICA Manitoba has also supported Send us the name of your ‘Doc’ when he or her infection prevention and control she joins CHICA. You and your Doc could each career over the years. Brenda has served win a free 2009 membership (value $125). in almost every position in the Manitoba CHICA chapter, as well as served as the treasurer of CHICA-Canada in the ’80s. “In the beginning when I started in infec- tion prevention and control, the local chapter was made up mostly of people from Winnipeg. Now our membership “Bug a Doc” contest closes March 1, 2009. has increased and there are more rural members, which is really great. CHICA-Canada Member______The biggest challenge she sees Address______facing infection prevention and control ______is resource allocation. “Some programs Telephone______across the nation suffer from too few Email______infection prevention and control indi- viduals to do the jobs they need to. We New ‘Doc’ Member______face big challenges with antibiotic-resis- Address______tant organisms and C. difficile which ______take a lot of our time as well as the ever increasing mandate of infection preven- Telephone______tion and control.” Email______Brenda believes in a team approach Forward to CHICA-Canada, Fax 1-204-895-9595 or email [email protected] for infection prevention and control and other health care individuals; to collabo- rate to achieve common goals. “Every- one has ownership in infection preven- tion and control. “One of the reasons I’ve stayed in this profession is because it is always chang- ing. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to learn which is why I am so passionate about infection preven- “Bug a Doc!” tion and control.”

The Canadian Journal of Infection Control • SUMMER 2008 137

click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents ASSOCIATION NEWS

The Influence of Certification By Deanie Lancaster, CBIC President

his message will reach you their batteries recharged and ready for recognition not only from accrediting after your annual CHICA- any new challenge that comes along. and regulatory agencies in the US, TCanada Conference and I hope Hopefully, you were also chal- attention is now coming from hospital you enjoyed the variety of topics lenged during conference week to associations and legislators through- presented as well as the many oppor- consider taking the certification exam. out the United States. While the value tunities the conference planners pro- The percentage of certified CHICA of infection prevention and control vided for networking with your peers. members is greater than the percent- may not be on the tip of everyone’s Somehow it is always comforting and age of APIC’s membership, a fact tongue in Canada, the American reassuring to find that others under- that should make you very proud if public and the American media stand the day-to-day stressors and are you are among that group. APIC and continue to demand a higher level confronting the same issues you are CBIC, however, are working collab- of accountability for hospitals and dealing with. Additionally, the annual oratively to reach the goal of 50% of healthcare related to infection preven- conference presenters and posters the APIC members being certified by tion. One piece of the accountability showcase the latest studies and share the end of calendar year 2010. Like issue is the evolving realization by the information and give you great ideas CHICA-Canada, we feel certification public that certification of infection for incorporating into your work- enhances the professional and the prevention and control profession- places. The conference also allows profession and having at least 50% of als can be an indication of advanced you time to absorb the latest changes the APIC membership certified speaks knowledge of the concepts needed to guidelines and rules that impact the volumes to everyone about our collec- to promote safe care in all sorts of way you do your jobs. My Canadian tive and individual commitments to healthcare settings in the US. friends always anticipate the annual safe patient care. West Virginia became the 26th conference and although the week is The value of certification in infec- state in the US to enact legislation hectic, they go home invigorated with tion control (CIC) continues to receive on mandatory reporting of health-

The Canadian Journal of Infection Control • SUMMER 2008 139

click here to return to table of contents care-associated infections in March of the meaning of reports. The value 2009. So if you are due to recertify, of this year. Thanks to the continued of the certified ICPs in West Virginia watch for additional details about this emphasis on infection prevention to this process may serve as a model exciting new testing option in upcom- and control by APIC at the national, for the remaining states considering ing publications and on the CBIC state and local levels, several certi- mandatory reporting. website. CBIC members staffing the fied infection prevention and control During APIC’s 35th Annual booth in the exhibit hall in Denver specialists worked closely with the Educational Conference and Inter- will also have some information about West Virginia Hospital Association to national Meeting in Denver, CBIC the practice test, so be sure to stop by craft the language of the law before honored many members of the and see firsthand how the test may be it was presented to the bill’s spon- fledgling group of ICPs who took the able to help you prepare to take your sors for consideration. They were first certification exam back in 1983. certification examination. Discount also instrumental in ensuring the data Many who took the exam are still coupons for the practice test will also are collected consistently using the actively involved in the field after be distributed at the booth. National Healthcare Safety Network 25 years and have maintained their As I close this message, I encour- (NHSN) definitions for infections. certification. Several of this group age all of you to promote certification The West Virginia law also created became APIC members soon after within your chapters and among your an Infection Control Advisory Panel the organization was established and co-workers. The distinction of being with a designation of special charac- have attended every annual confer- certified in your specialty practice teristics for membership on the panel. ence since that time. We were proud places you on the level of the best Along with the infectious disease to recognize their dedication and and brightest who choose to go a step physicians and public health authori- commitment to our profession and beyond the ordinary. It elevates you ties, the law specifies the inclusion of are deeply honored that so many and elevates our profession. Always three certified ICPs on the panel. One accepted our invitation to the cel- remember that according to the great of the panel’s most important duties ebration. American football coach Vince Lom- will be to advise the West Virginia The CBIC Test Committee began bardi, the quality of a person’s life is Health Care Authority on the manner working in March to develop a web- in direct proportion to their commit- in which reporting is made available based form of the recertification ment to excellence, regardless of their to the public to assure understanding examination (previously SARE) for chosen field of endeavor.

2009 CHICA-Canada Board positions available for nomination The Board of Directors of CHICA-Canada is seeking nominations for board positions that will be open in 2009. Being on the board of CHICA-Canada is an excellent way to participate at the national level. Personally and professionally, it offers the opportunity to meet a wide range of CHICA-Canada members, network with allied professional groups, and work with other motivated and experienced board members.

Nominations are invited for the following positions: President Elect (1-year term) Director, Finance (3-year term) Physician Director (3-year term)

These terms commence January 1, 2009. Position descriptions and nomination forms are found in the CHICA-Canada Policy and Procedure Manual, or may be obtained from the Membership Service Office or downloaded from www.chica.org (Members Login).

Signatures of two active members are required for each nomination. If you know someone who would be qualified and interested in one of the above positions, send a completed nomination form to:

Bern Hankinson, RN, BN, CIC CHICA-Canada Secretary/Membership Director c/o Membership Service office PO Box 46125 RPO Westdale Winnipeg MB R3R 3S3

Or by courier to: Bern Hankinson, RN, BN, CIC CHICA-Canada Secretary/Membership Director c/o Membership Service office 67 Bergman Crescent Winnipeg MB R3R 1Y9

Deadline for nominations: August 15, 2008.

140 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents IN MEMORIAM SHEELA BASRUR

At the opening ceremonies held It was her skilful leadership and that evening, Dr. Bonnie Henry gave communication expertise that helped a moving tribute to her friend and col- guide Canada through Toronto’s league. SARS crisis in 2003. “She was one of those people who In an issued statement Federal Health can take the information and under- Minister Tony Clement said, “Her stand the implications of it and be able unique ability to distill complex medical to convey that to people in a way that issues at a time of distress brought much they understand. To me, her greatest needed reassurance to the Canadian and ttendees at the 2008 confer- skill was being a passionate and very international communities.” ence were saddened to hear good communicator with people.” In April 2008, the Ontario provincial Aof the passing of Dr. Sheela Dr. Henry shared the humour of Dr. government announced it would name Basrur, former Ontario Medical Officer Basrur’s interesting turns of phrase. Ontario’s new arms-length public health of Health, on Monday, June 2, 2008. Describing the fight to contain SARS agency the Sheela Basrur Centre. Dr. Basrur, 51, suffered from leiomyo- with antiquated disease surveillance Divorced, she had one child, a daugh- sarcoma and had stepped down from tools, Basrur called it “We’re fighting the ter, Simone Koves, who is now 17. She is the MOH position in October 2006. fire while we’re building the bucket.” also survived by her father and mother.

The Registered Nurses’ Foundation of Ontario Molson Canada SARS Memorial Fund providing grants to ICPs

The SARS Memorial Fund for Infection Control Practitioners is a tuition/certification/professional development reimbursement program funded by Molson Canada SARS Concert (2003) and supported by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. RNFOO manages the SARS Memorial Fund, initiated in January 2005. The fund provides grants to Infection Control Practitioners from any discipline to support them in advancing their knowledge to lead infection control practices within their healthcare settings. Grants can be applied to continuing education, certification/re-certifica- tion and professional development. The fund of $175,000 is to be administered over three years, allowing for the allocation of approximately $58,000 per year in support of individual pursuing formal education and certification in the area of infection control.

See www.rnfoo.org for details.

142 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents IN MEMORIAM SHEELA BASRUR

click here to return to table of contents REACH OUR ADVERTISERS

COMPANY PAGE PHONE E-MAIL ADDRESS WEB SITE

3M Canada Health Care 135 800-265-1840 [email protected] www.3M.ca

AMG Medical Inc. IBC 800-361-2381 [email protected] www.amgmedical.com

Angus Medical, Inc. 93 866-418-1689 [email protected] www.angusmedical.com

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Metrex Corp. 129 800-841-1428 [email protected] www.metrex.com

PDI - Professional Disposables International 122 800-263-7067 [email protected] www.pdipdi.com

http://meds.queensu.ca/cpd/ Queen’s University, Faculty of Health Sciences 107 613-533-6000 [email protected] che/

Retractable Technologies, Inc. 138 888-703-1010 [email protected] www.vanishpoint.com

Rubbermaid Canada 103 800-998-7004 [email protected] www.rubbermaid.com

Safety Tech International, Inc. 99 800-598-9711 [email protected] www.tvicorp.com

Sage Products Inc. 94 800-323-2220 [email protected] www.sageproducts.com

Scican Ltd. 101 416-445-1600 [email protected] www.scican.com

The Stevens Company Limited 128 800-268-0184 [email protected] www.stevens.ca

Virox Technologies Inc. IFC 800-387-7578 [email protected] www.viroxtech.com

144 SUMMER 2008 • The Canadian Journal of Infection Control click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents click here to return to table of contents