for Lumere , showed attendees how to adapt the AHVAP Value Analysis Methodology to non-acute care by understanding how to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to drive a resilient , clinically integrated supply chain . Then they showed how to build a roadmap for creating a successful , sustainable non-acute care model at an organization . They noted that in a post-COVID world , value analysis teams must play a critical role in patient- and business-facing decisions in non-acute settings ; rethink current processes to ensure non-acute care setting supply chains keep pace with the new normal ; and leverage best practices to establish processes for non-acute care settings .
• In the presentation , “ Value Analysis Flexibility in Changing Times ,” James Russell , RN-BC , MBA , CVAHP , director of clinical resource management for MD Anderson Cancer Center , reviewed changing realities in global healthcare supply chain and requirements for flexibility in value analysis as well as presented strategies for avoiding reliance upon “ that ’ s the way we ’ ve always done it ,” even in value analysis . He also evaluated future-focused paradigms for value analysis , embracing instability as the norm . As Russell noted , “ In healthcare value analysis , we often find ourselves ‘ preaching ’ to our customers ( clinical experts , supply chain experts , business / finance experts ) that change is not anathema . It is necessary to be flexible in a changing marketplace , to avoid stagnation and reliance on outdated rationale for why they do the things they do . After the year 2020 , and subsequent months of 2021 , it ’ s imperative that value analysis leaders practice what they preach .” He added , “ Value analysis leaders must embrace new ideals for efficiency and patient / practitioner safety . Gone are the days of running as lean as possible with supplies on hand , because they count as assets on a balance sheet . As evidenced by the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic , having too much of many supplies might be impossible . Now , the ‘ capacity to supply ’ takes precedence .”
AHE
The Association for the Healthcare Environment ( AHE ) held its in-person 2021 Healthcare Preparedness and Leadership Symposium in Orlando , Fla . Oct . 31 through Nov . 2 , 2021 , followed by a virtual event Dec . 1-2 , 2021 . Healthcare environmental services professionals and infection prevention leaders from around the country gathered for this certification symposium focused on resiliency , preparedness , and managing through the pandemic in the new norm , and ensuring preparedness for new challenges in what lies ahead .
• In the presentation , “ Top Survey Findings EVS Leaders Need to Know ,” James Kendig from The Joint Commission shared what ’ s new , including a return to on-site surveys , new standards , and the launch of the SAFER ® dashboard , available to all accredited organizations on April 6 , 2021 . This business analytics tool provides aggregate survey finding data and Joint Commission national comparison accreditation data . Users will be able to view and filter their cumulative survey data in meaningful ways and compare their organization to Joint Commission national accreditation data . Kendig noted that regarding the LSCS survey process , the Joint Commission is looking for high-level dust on ( such as on HVAC grills ), torn positioning pads , wall and floor damage ( unable to clean ), damage to furniture ( unable to clean ), the cleaning frequency / schedule and flammability compliance of drapes and curtains , pull cords wrapped around grab bars and distance from floor , as well as labeling of chemicals in containers and storage . He alluded to a common question regarding compliance : “ How many air circulations for a room that doesn ’ t have negative pressure ? The answer , Kendig said , was “ The amount of air exchanges will depend upon the space in question . In addition to minimum air changes per hour ( ACH ), some spaces require minimum outdoor air changes per hour . You should reference the ASHRAE 170 2008 ventilation table for the specifics . In addition , your organization should be conducting periodic air balance testing to verify that all spaces are compliant .”
• In the presentation , “ Managing the Healthcare Environment : Navigating Complexity on the Path to Perfect Care ,” Michael Bell , MD , deputy director in the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), discussed the complexity of the healthcare environment in which populations , practices , healthcare systems , environment of care all come together . He talked about how care delivery has been transformed out of a hospital into a very large community of healthcare providers which includes hospitals , ambulatory facilities , long-term care facilities , dialysis facilities , and as the continuum of care grows , these practices become more complex . He provided an update on the environmental hygiene challenges relating to C . difficile , with 59 percent of infections healthcare-associated and 41 percent community-onset . The connectedness of facilities map showed that all facilities , regardless of type – and including the community -- must be addressed , as the transference of pathogens can occur anywhere and this is why vigilance is needed . He shared the role regional control plays in reviewing the rapid spread of Carbapemen-resistant Enterobacteriaceae ( CRE ) from 2001 to 2017 and how important a containment strategy is for multidrug-resistant organisms ( MDROs ). He then reviewed the emergence of Candida auris , a highly drug-resistant yeast which causes invasive infections associated with high mortality , and spreads easily in healthcare settings . This pathogen is responsible for 40 percent to 50 percent bloodstream infections ( BSI ) and 40 percent in-hospital ( BSI ) mortality . He shared patients most at risk from C . auris are those who have multiple healthcare stays , especially in long-term care facilities , as well as have a tracheostomy , are on a ventilator , PEG tubes , central catheters , and being on antibiotics and antifungals . Bell summarized , “ The complexity of U . S . healthcare continues to increase . Healthcare environmental management is a crucial safety net . We continue to identify new tools , better designs , and improve processes for environmental cleaning and disinfection ; those elements need to work in synergy with our staff . EVS professionals are the keystone of a safe and effective healthcare system .”
• In the presentation , “ Exploring the Microbial Jungle ,” Paul Pearce , PhD , explained that the best leaders carry a mental map of opportunities , possibilities and values , and check that map constantly . This session Click To View the CDC sharpened the knowledge , understanding , and leadership
Microbial skills related to the control and management of microbial Reservoirs contamination in the environment . Pearce emphasized the importance of creating a culture whereby employees felt motivated , free and encouraged to make suggestions and comfortable interacting with management . Pearce told the story of the first doctor of epidemiology . Dr . John Snow , who in London prevented an outbreak of cholera through basic surveillance and common sense . There was a water pump connected to a well that was being contaminated by the sewer beneath it , transmitting
www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • december 2021
35