enlinn – Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention & Control, Training and Technical Assistance (ARCIPC)

MDRO Webinar Series Double Feature: Communicating Critical Infection Prevention Information Among Key Stakeholders to Improve Resident Outcomes & The Fall of Antimicrobials and the Importance of Antimicrobial Stewardship (July 10, 2024 at 1-2:15pm CT)

During this 1.25-hour webinar hosted by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control, two speakers will delve into distinct topics. This session marks the culmination of the ARC IPC’s MRDO webinar series, serving as its sixth and final installment.

In the first segment, Ms. Amy Ward will deliver a presentation titled “Communicating Critical Infection Prevention Information Among Key Stakeholders to Improve Resident Outcomes.” During this session, learners will understand how to identify key stakeholders, both internal and external to their organization. They will develop knowledge of what, when, and with whom to communicate. Finally, standardized communication tools will be shared.

In the second segment, Dr. Spencer Durham will present “The Decline of Antimicrobials and the Significance of Antimicrobial Stewardship.” The incidence of infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is increasing at an alarming rate on a worldwide scale. In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than 2.8 million infections occur each year due to antimicrobial-resistant organisms. Additionally, the advent of new antimicrobial agents with novel mechanisms of action has been stalled for many years, making the preservation of existing antimicrobials of utmost importance. The provision of appropriate antimicrobial stewardship is the best defense currently available to decrease antimicrobial resistance and preserve existing antimicrobial agents.

The webinar is presented by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control and cosponsored by the Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety, and the Alabama Statewide Area Health Education Centers (AHEC).

“Communicating critical infection prevention information among key stakeholders to improve resident outcomes” learning objectives:

Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
Utilize standardized tools to structure communications
Understand key infection prevention information to communicate

“The Fall of Antimicrobials and the Importance of Antimicrobial Stewardship” learning objectives:

Recognize the role of antimicrobials in the development of pathogen resistance over time
Define antimicrobial stewardship
Identify how appropriate antimicrobial stewardship helps to hinder the development of antimicrobial resistance

The Deep South Center for OH&S is an approved provider of continuing education units for nurses by the AL Board of Nursing (Provider ABNP0420 Expiration Date 7/10/2025) and has awarded this program 1.5 ABN CEUs. All other professionals awarded .15 CEUs, SW awarded 1.5 CEUs.

Amy Ward, MS, BSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC

Patient Safety Manager, Alliant Health Solutions

Amy Ward is the Patient Safety Manager with Alliant Health Solutions. She is a registered nurse with a diverse background in nursing, microbiology, epidemiology and infection control. She is passionate about leading and mentoring new and future infection preventionists in their career paths and assisting them in reducing healthcare-associated infections across the continuum of care. Amy enjoys spending time with family, biking, reading, camping and running.

Spencer H. Durham, Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS, BCIDP

Associate Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy

Spencer H. Durham, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCIDP is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and also serves as the Director of Alumni & Professional Affairs with the Harrison College of Pharmacy. Originally from Arab, Alabama, he completed his pre-pharmacy coursework at Auburn University and graduated with his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Harrison College of Pharmacy in 2007. He went on to complete an ASHP-accredited post-graduate residency at Children’s Health System in Birmingham, Alabama in 2008. Dr. Durham has published more than 20 peer-reviewed articles in respected journals and several book chapters. He is an active speaker each year at national, state, and local conferences, where he educates healthcare professionals on topics related to infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship.

Evaluation

Reporting Infectious Diseases & Outbreaks to the Alabama Department of Public Health (May 23, 2024 at 1pm CT)

This presentation will provide an overview of the reportable diseases and conditions required to be reported to the Infectious Diseases & Outbreaks (ID&O) Division within the Bureau of Communicable Diseases at the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Review the Infectious Diseases & Outbreaks Division (ID&O) Notifiable Diseases Rules
Discuss who should report, how to report, and when to report outbreaks and reportable diseases/conditions.
Review frequently asked questions from required reporters.

The Deep South Center for OH&S is an approved provider of continuing education units for nurses by the AL Board of Nursing (Provider ABNP0420 Expiration Date 12/22/2025) and has awarded this program 1.2 ABN CEUs. All other professionals awarded .1 CEUs, SW awarded 1.0 CEUs.

SPEAKERS

Toni Richie, RN

Northern District ID&O Nurse Supervisor, Alabama Department of Public Health, Emerging Infectious Disease Unit Infectious Diseases & Outbreaks Division Bureau of Communicable Disease

Tina Norwood, RN

I am a RN and have worked for ADPH for 29 years. I have worked with Bureau of Communicable Disease in Infectious Disease and Outbreak division for the past 12 years. I currently serve as ID&O Nurse SV for the Southwestern District.

evaluation

Additional Resources

Strategies to Prevent the Spread of MDROs and the Application of Transmission-based Precautions (May 2, 2024 at 12pm CT)

This session will highlight key points from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO) and isolation precautions. In addition, when and how to apply transmission-based precautions and enhanced barrier precautions, including patient placement will be discussed. Session participants will also learn what needs to be considered when cohorting patients/residents that may be infected or colonized with a MDRO. This webinar is the 4^th webinar which is part of our MDRO Webinar Series.

To identify strategies to prevent the spread of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO) in the healthcare setting.
To describe CDC’s transmission-based precautions and enhanced barrier precautions and when to apply them.
To discuss guidance for patient/resident placement.

A.C. Burke, MA, CIC

Vice President of Healthcare Quality,RB Health Partners, Inc

A.C. Burke has been working with RB Health Partners, Inc. since 2016 and has over 22 years of experience working in public health and healthcare. A.C. worked for the Florida Department of Health for 15 years; 5 of those years she served as the Healthcare-associated Infection Prevention Program Manager. She later was the Director of Infection Prevention for Mayo Clinic Florida. In her current role, she consults with long-term care facilities on infection prevention and control policies, procedures, and practices, and provides training to nursing homes and at conferences, including the 17-hour Nursing Home Infection Prevention Program (NIPP) Nipping Infections in the Bud. NIPP was created to meet the CMS infection prevention training required for a facility team member to be recognized as the designated Infection Prevention Control Official (IPCO). A.C. is nationally recognized in her field and is the primary author of this program. A.C. holds a master’s degree in health management and is nationally Board Certified in Infection Control (CIC) by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. She is currently the chair of Florida Health Care Association’s Infection Prevention Council which was created to support Florida’s nursing homes in building and sustaining infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship programs that meet national standards. She works with clients to understand and implement national guidelines and best practices and supports program implementation by creating and delivering education materials, tools, and training.

Evalulation

Beyond the Basics – Cleaning & Disinfection to Mitigate the Spread of Infectious Diseases including MDROs for Healthcare Facilities (April 11, 2024 at 12pm CST/1PM EST)

This webinar is designed to help the infection preventionist take their cleaning and disinfection program to the next level. Efficient and effective evaluation of cleaning and disinfection of patient/resident rooms and use of supplemental disinfection strategies can mitigate the potential impact of the healthcare environment on the spreading of infectious pathogens, including MDROs. Webinar participants will learn about the pros and cons of different methods for evaluation of cleaning and disinfection practices, impact of how disinfectants are applied to surfaces, and the pros and cons of supplemental strategies for enhancing disinfection. This webinar is presented by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control and cosponsored by the Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety, and the Alabama Statewide Area Health Education Centers (AHEC).

A.C. Burke, MA, CIC

Vice President of Healthcare Quality,RB Health Partners, Inc

Evaluation LInk

Assessing Adherence to Infection Control Procedures with Fluorescent Markers (December 14, 2023, 12pm CT)

This 50-minute session can serve as an educational tool to improve Infection Control strategies that help to prevent and reduce the spread of environmental healthcare associated infections. This session includes strategies to assist in assessing effective hand hygiene, environmental hygiene, and PPE use when used with standard and transmission-based precautions, including potential exposures to blood and body fluids. This webinar is presented by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control, UAB Long-Term Care Strike Team and cosponsored by the Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety.

Recognize risk factors for healthcare associated infections.
Identify the role of assessing training, audits, and competency in preventing and controlling healthcare associated infections.
Describe strategies for assessing the adherence to infection control procedures during hand hygiene, PPE use, and environmental hygiene during training and auditing.
Discuss the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement process when providing feedback.

Environmental headshot of Richard Wade Menefee III (Infection Preventionist, Environmental Health Sciences), July 2022.

R. Wade Menefee, III, MSN, RN, LNHA Master of Science in Nursing Walden University, August 2023

R. Wade Menefee, III, MSN, RN, LNHA received his MSN from Walden University in 2023. He has been a licensed nursing home administrator since 2017. He has a concentration in Infection Prevention in Long-Term Care settings. His previous background includes Staff Development Coordinator, Clinical IT Nursing, Human Resources, Nursing Leadership, Regulatory Compliance, and Nursing Home Administration. He has been married for 13 years and has 2 small children.

Environmental headshot of Shoshannah Anderson (Infection Preventionist, Environmental Health Sciences), July 2022.

Shoshannah J. Anderson BSN, RN, CIC
Bachelor of Science in Nursing University of Alabama in Huntsville, May 2004

Shoshannah J. Anderson, BSN, RN, CIC received her BSN from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2004. She received her Certification in Infection Prevention and Control through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology in 2018. She has a concentration in Infection Prevention in Long-Term Care settings. Her previous background includes Perioperative/Endoscopy Practices, Surgical Inpatient Nursing, High Level Disinfection & Sterilization, and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Prior to becoming an Infection Preventionist, she had an extensive background in the Operating Room for 10 years and has worked as a Circulating nurse and in Operating Room Leadership in which she has gleaned a wealth of knowledge and hands on experience. She is committed to sharing the “why” behind the practices of infection prevention. The mantra she embraces is, “People will be more inclined to do the right thing, if they know and understand its importance.” She has been married for 20 years and is the mother of 2 wonderful young men.

Evaluation

Unveiling Congenital Syphilis and Syphilis in Alabama

Join us as we shed light on the challenges, solutions, and stories surrounding these pressing public health concerns. Hear from Dr. Jodie Dionne, an Associate Professor of Medicine and a clinician investigator at UAB in Infectious Diseases. Her research is focused on designing clinical trials to treat and prevent syphilis, hepatitis B, and other infections in pregnancy in the US and in Africa.

This podcast is presented by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control Training and Technical Assistance. Thank you to our co-sponsor for this podcast, the Alabama Public Health Training Network at the Alabama Department of Public Health a community-based training partner of the Region IV Public Health Training Center.

Dr. Jodie Dionne
Associate Professor of Medicine,

UAB Division of Infectious Diseases

Chief of Women’s Health, 1917 Clinic

Update on Childhood Vaccines: Getting Ready for the School Year (July 13, 2023, 12pm CST/ 1PM EST)

Vaccines are among the most significant medical advances in the history of the world. Hundreds of millions of lives have been saved or kept whole through vaccination programs. In our global world, though, all vaccine-preventable diseases except smallpox are a mere 18 hours away by plane. Diseases that were common only 30 years ago now are exceedingly rare, but without continued vigilance in the use of the vaccines that led to this success, we risk the reemergence of these pathogens. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the risks of new viruses spilling over to the human population, and as bad as that was, it would have been that much worse if safe and effective vaccines had not been developed in record time. That said, the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine program also illustrated the importance of all of us understanding why we need to be vaccinated – they only work if they are used.

Dr. David Kimberlin

Dr. David Kimberlin is the Sergio Stagno, M.D., Endowed Chair in Infectious Diseases, Professor and Co-Division Director in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UAB, Vice Chair for Clinical and Translational Research with UAB Pediatrics, and Editor of the AAP Red Book Report of Committee on Infectious Disease. His special interests include antiviral therapies, viral diseases, clinical research and trials design.

This webinar is presented by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control Training and Technical Assistance and cosponsored by the Region IV Public Health Training Center and Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety.

*CEU Pending

Evaluation

Tick-Borne Diseases in Alabama

As Alabama heats up into summer the number of individuals outside and the number of bugs outside are increasing, including ticks, insects that can pose a direct to human health. Join the ARC IPC and Dr. Jonathan Rayner for a discussion around tick-borne diseases in Alabama and how you can prevent being affected by ticks this summer.

Dr. Jonathan Rayner
Director, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases
Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Resources on Tick-Borne Diseases:

Tickborne Diseases of the United States – CDC

Overview of Tickborne Diseases – CDC

Tickborne Diseases – ADPH

Using Behavioral Theory to Understand the Red/Blue Divide in COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions (January 23, 2023 1pm CST)

This webinar is presented by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control Training and Technical Assistance. Political partisanship is an important predictor of COVID-19 vaccination status. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Republicans were less likely to report being vaccinated than Democrats. This webinar will discuss the results from research testing the hypothesis that partisan differences in intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine can be explained by a commonly used theory of behavioral health intentions, Protection Motivation Theory. This webinar is co-sponsored by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control and the Region IV Public Health Training Center.

Greg Pavela, PhD
Associate Professor @UAB School of Public Health

Tamika Smith, PhD
Assistant Professor @UAB School of Public Health

Victoria McDonald, MPH
Third-year doctoral student in Health Behavior @UAB School of Public Health

Webinar Evaluation

A Tridemic of Flu, COVID, and RSV this Winter Season (Winter 2022)

With three different respiratory illnesses circulating across communities in the U.S., are things out of the frying pan and into the fire? While COVID is still a concern and we should anticipate COVID to continue to circulate this winter, other respiratory viruses are making headlines. Hospitals throughout the country are dealing with an unprecedented, early spike in both flu and respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. The collision of these three viruses have raised concerns about a potential “tridemic” this winter. Dr. Molly Fleece, assistant professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, joined the podcast to discuss concerns about the upcoming cold, flu, RSV and COVID season..