National Infection Control Week
October 20-24, 2008
"Antibiotic Resistant Organisms (AROs): A Call to Action! "
|
Design a poster for Infection Control Week 2009 and win full
conference registration! More information...
The third week in October is designated as National Infection
Control Week (ICW) in Canada and the U.S. In Canada, Infection
Control Week originated in 1988 to highlight infection control
efforts in Canadian hospitals, long-term care facilities and
in the community. It was an opportunity for infection control
professionals to educate staff and the community about the importance
of infection prevention and to promote the important work that
was being done by infection control professionals in a visible
and fun way. In 1989 the federal government proclaimed Infection
Control Week as an annual event.
This web page is provided by CHICA-Canada to assist you in planning
and implementing Infection Control Week in your facility. Whether
your event spans the entire week or only one day, whether it is
large or small, you might find some useful information, tips and
tools here to use to help with its success and save you some time
and resources.
Good luck and have a successful Infection Control Week!
Proclamation and Press Release
Proclaim your week with a ready-made proclamation from CHICA-Canada.
Send it to your administrator, local news media, your facility
newsletter/newspaper and display it on your posters. Click
on link to view the proclamation.
Use the following CHICA-Canada Press Release for Infection Control
Week. Members are encouraged to personalize this message to their
chapter/geographical location and forward it to all media in their
area. The name of a local contact should be included at the end
of the message. Press Release.
Planning Your Week
The key to a successful Infection Control Week is associated
with providing a variety of activities and maintaining a high
level of interest. Success also depends upon getting a wide variety
of people or departments actively involved.
Your first task is to designate why your organization
should participate in a Infection Control event and what
you hope will be achieved. This might be as simple as determining
'goals and objectives' or as formalized as defining a 'mission
statement'.
When developing your Mission Statement:
a) be realistic - a single focus, done well,
can be more effective than attempting to do too much
b) consider the current level of practice of staff
c) address the priority needs of your organization
Some sample mission statements:
-
To create awareness and knowledge of the role of the Infection
Control Practitioner/Infection Control Committee
-
To promote good hand washing by all staff
-
Education and promotion of preventive measures for a specific
infectious disease which is of concern in your organization
-
Timely Infection Control issues
Keep in mind that, as planning progresses, the Mission Statement
will become more precise or enlarged. However, in order to receive
approval and authorization to proceed, the effectiveness and credibility
of the initial proposal requires a well defined intent.
The next task is to obtain a full mandate from all levels of
management in your organization in order to promote the success
of the venture:
a) Inform your immediate supervisor of your
proposal. Planning and implementing the event will require additional
time and effort. Your manager's commitment to assist and, if necessary,
to redelegate tasks will allow you to prioritize your involvement.
b) Make a proposal to the Infection Control
or a related Committee, according to the administrative framework
of your organization. Having obtained a committee consensus, you
or the Committee Chair will then approach the Administrator.
c) Obtain approval and authorization from administration.
An administrative mandate is essential not only from an organizational
aspect, but also to elicit support and participation by Management.
You are now ready to begin planning your event!
The Planning Commmitte
Consider a Planning Committee of 4 or 5 people, which is workable
and sufficient to delegate tasks. Members may then choose to form
small groups to assist them. Having a planning committee distributes
the work load and sustains enthusiasm, as it disseminates the
mission of the event. Whether your plans are modest or elaborate,
you will find it helpful to obtain the assistance of at least
one other person. A one-person show is impressive, but quickly
leads to burnout (yours!).
a) Selecting the Committee
Criteria for selection of committee members are:
- An interest in the project and a willingness to serve
- Representation from various areas of the workplace (e.g.
Housekeeping, Food Services, Volunteers, Direct Care)
- Achievers who are known to be well organized
- Persons with desirable talents and/or contacts
- Staff who work well in groups
b) Preplanning the first Committee meeting
A well organized meeting sets a precedent and reassures your Committee
members that their time will be spent efficiently. Some guidelines:
- Determine which members you prefer to assume specific areas
of planning. Approach the members before the meeting to ensure
that they are willing to be responsible for the territory
- Appoint a recording secretary to take minutes
- Set a meeting date, time and location that is convenient
for all members
- Prepare an agenda for distribution prior to the meeting
c) The agenda
Create an agenda to guide discussion and keep the meeting focused.
Some items might include:
- Review the initial Mission Statement (goals, objectives).
- If necessary, refine the statement and reach a group consensus.
- Determine who the target group(s) will be (e.g. all staff,
a particular department or professional group, students, volunteers,
groups outside your organization).
- Set the date and duration of the event. The date may be chosen
to coincide with National Infection Control Week and should
not conflict with another major event in your organization.
The duration will depend on the extent of your project. It may
be advisable to plan for one day if this is your initial venture
or if time is limited.
- Present and review task lists for each planning group (e.g.
scientific/educational, activities, finances, exhibitions/displays,
hospitality).
- Circulate task worksheets to each Committee group coordinator.
Some samples:
Infection Control Task Worksheet
Infection Control Week To-Do List
- Fill in tasks as agreed upon by the Committee.
Set target dates for tasks. Be realistic but leave sufficient
time to obtain responses or to choose alternatives, if necessary.
All tasks should be completed and confirmed at least one week
prior to the event.
- Determine the number and frequency of meetings which will
be required.
- Set a date for the next meeting.
d) Follow-up
Provide leadership and throughput to your Committee
- Circulate minutes to members.
- Keep appropriate management personnel informed of the progression
of plans.
- Revise the task worksheets for distribution to each Committee
group coordinator.
- Don't forget your own task list! Keep in touch with the Planning
Committee members.
- Liaise and coordinate. Problem-solve.
- Consistently acknowledge the achievements of your Committee.
Show your appreciation.
- Maintain the meeting format throughout the planning process.
Promotion Of Your Week
How will you promote your event? What is the message? Who will
you target? How will you advertise? All of these questions must
be asked so that your hard work will result in the success it
deserves! Some suggestions:
a) Target
The characteristics of the target group will have a direct bearing
on the content, format and distribution of publicity
- Location of the event is important. As the target group expands
from in-house to include other organizations and the public,
the amount of information, use of advertising tools and scope
of circulation will broaden.
- Size and diversity of the event will determine the need for
wider advertising to reach more individuals as well as key members.
- Identification of the knowledge base and needs of the target
group will determine the content and format of publicity (e.g.
use of technical language vs. non-technical language; function
and job relevance; most frequent modes of communication used).
b) The message
In style and content the message should:
- Communicate the mandate i.e. purpose, goals, objectives -
of the event. The use of themes and slogans will highlight this.
-
Create awareness and educate through informative statements.
-
Invite active participation.
-
Provide notification of presentations and activities (e.g. dates,
times, locations, titles, summary of content, names of speakers,
panel members, exhibitors, sponsors, etc.)
-
Be simple and direct.
-
Be brief. State no more than three major points concerning the
topic.
-
Be clear and comprehensible.
-
Be designed to attract and hold the attention of the reader/viewer/listener.
c) Advertising tools
- Word of mouth is the most effective (and least expensive)
form of advertising and is suitable for in-house promotion (e.g.
conversations, public address announcements, agenda item at
meetings)
- Circulars can include memos, bulletins, flyers, pamphlets
and Email. The material should be neat and well designed, with
a good layout. Bright colours attract attention. The use of
humour helps people remember what they read.
- Tent cards can be placed on cafeteria tables, with your logo
and theme on the outside, and Infection Control facts or questions
on the inside.
Sample Tent Card
- Posters are used to quickly attract attention, both in-house
and externally. They should be prominently displayed. Avoid
being overly wordy, which will make the poster appear too "busy".
Use logos and pictures to attract attention. Avoid clutter,
be sure there is sufficient "white space" around items
to set them off. Make your posters large, using print that is
easy to read from a distance. Use colour to catch the eye. Don't
forget to display CHICA-Canada's poster (see top of page).
- Buttons can be used in-house both before and during the event.
Buttons immediately invite participation, as the person wearing
the button will identify with the cause. Distribute buttons
widely. The more buttons worn, the greater the sense of support
and unity. Use a logo and a short slogan. Have buttons well
designed, simple and colourful.
- Mass media includes written publications, such as newspapers
and magazines; radio interviews and advertisements; television
advertisements, interviews and documentaries. If you are using
mass media, make your initial contacts several weeks ahead.
Implementation may involve a number of meetings. Be precise
and concise with your request. Meet deadlines. Always listen
and follow the guidelines of media personnel - they are the
experts!
Fund Raising
In most cases, you will require additional funding for your event
above that which is available in your department. Here are some
tips for finding those extra dollars!
a) Organization
- Appoint one member to receive estimates, prepare financial
reports and to act as treasurer.
- Avoid duplication at all times. Potential supporters will
not appreciate repetitious canvassing.
- Each group should be responsible for obtaining estimates
for their specific area of planning (e.g. public relations,
activities).
- The estimates are then submitted to the treasurer who prepares
a report of estimated costs for discussion/revision at the next
planning meeting.
b) Obtain an overview of requirements
- Public Relations
Cost of in-house design and printing vs. purchased service
Media advertisements
Buttons, posters, displays
-
Activities
Equipment for games and contests
Prizes
Refreshments
-
Education/Scientific Presentations
Speakers who charge a fee
Speakers from within the organization or an affiliated agency
who will not charge a fee
Gifts/honoraria for speakers
-
Audiovisual
Availability of in-house equipment vs. rentals
c) Obtain estimates
Estimate the costs through telephone calls and window shopping.
Do not make financial commitments at this time.
d) Costing
You now have a goal for fund raising. If met, plans can proceed.
If available funds fall short, planning can be revised to avoid
over expenditure.
e) Resources for funds
There are many sources for funds, don't be afraid to ask!
- In-house
An allotment of funds from your departmental or administration
budget (it is advisable to make the submission this year for
the next fiscal budget)
Other departments may be able to assist (e.g. staff training
and development, public relations)
- Distributors
Many vendors of drugs, soaps, disinfectants and medical/surgical
supplies are helpful in planning. They may provide displays,
audiovisual material and handouts, as well as financial support.
Consult with your purchasing agent for assistance with contacts.
And don't forget our patron members!
- Volunteers
A submission to your agency's volunteer organization can result
in significant participation and support
- Community groups
Many community service clubs and organizations are interested
in the health and sociological issues of infectious diseases
and environmental safety. Financial support may be offered and
members may be interested in participating.
- Local businesses
Many local businesses have contracts with your facility and
are more than willing to assist with products, door prizes or
services (e.g. vending companies, office supply outlets, etc.)
Educational Events
Providing education is an ideal way to promote Infection Control
Week. Before and during the planning process consider the following
basic principles:
a) Planning
-
Mandate
your theme should determine the major focus of your presentation
- Target Groups
remember your target groups
consider their knowledge base, functions and needs
- Learning Strategies
adult learners have a concentration span of 30 minutes (keep
presentations short and have breaks between sessions)
adults learn by doing (have hands-on demonstrations)
adults learn through participation (involve staff; have question
periods; ask staff to sit on discussion panels)
receptive learning is increased by an appeal to all senses (vary
the formats, such as lectures, films, displays)
- Organization
take time to plan, arrange and assess
be realistic in determining the duration and extent of your
presentations
a small number of activities, well planned and properly presented,
can be very effective
adhere to your schedule (start presentations on time, do not
let them run overtime)
- Costing
consistently update and review your cost estimates
if your expectations and your available funds are not in sync,
consider alternatives
b) Scheduling
- Schedule activities to encourage participation by as much
staff as possible
avoid peak work times
do "reruns" to cover all shifts
tape presentations for staff who cannot be present
combine presentations with other activities (e.g. noontime lunch,
during meetings)
keep records of attendance for evaluation purposes
c) Locations
- Consider presentations in hallways and high-traffic areas
-
Book presentation sites in writing
-
Choose sites of appropriate size - not too small, not too large
-
Arrange for sufficient seating
d) Speakers
- Fees for speakers will vary with their profiles.
- A well known speaker is a drawing card, but the fee may not
be affordable.
- Obtain a firm quote. Ask if personal expenses are included
in the fee.
- In-house and associate speakers can be resources whose expertise
has never been fully recognized - and they are affordable!
- Contact your peers. You may be able to share the cost of
a speaker.
- Consider having the speaker sponsored by industry.
- Book speakers and confirm the engagement in writing. Request
speaker's curriculum vitae for the introductions and ascertain
what audiovisual equipment they will require
- Make arrangements such as travel and accommodation for out-of-town
speakers if it is required.
- Meet speakers and see to their comfort.
- Send a follow-up letter of appreciation to all presenters.
- Have a contingency plan in case a speaker cancels.
e) Audiovisual aids
- Preview, book and confirm films and videos
-
Pre-load electronic presentation material on a laptop prior
to the event if possible
-
Prepare handouts, overheads and displays that are brief, attractive
and legible.
-
Be certain the audiovisual equipment is available and working.
Activities
This is the time to get carried away and have fun!
Activities contribute to the success of your event by promoting
your Mission Statement, involving a wide variety of people and
inviting participation, resulting in increased learning.
Activities support and enhance the educational components of
the event, they should not be the total program. However, if time
is limited and resources are scarce, a few activities will generate
some interest and enthusiasm for your cause without requiring
intensive planning and preparation. Be flexible!
Suggestions for activities:
- Poster contest - for staff, students, patients; display posters
in prominent areas; have a panel to judge; display winning entries
in a main area and publish winners names in your facility newsletter
or newspaper; have an award ceremony
- Slogan contest - hold the contest before the event; circulate
the Mission Statement with the announcement of the contest;
the winning slogan could become the major theme
- "Trivial Pursuit" game - use pertinent Infection
Control questions in a questionnaire or card game; game can
be played individually or in groups; develop a score sheet and
award small prizes
- Questionnaire/Q&A Cards - have questions relating to practices,
policies and procedures completed by individuals who stop by
your display, and award prizes to those who answer all the questions
correctly. This is a good way to check the level of knowledge
and pinpoint trouble areas. Or leave cards in coffee rooms and
lounges.
Sample Questions
- Colouring contest for Pediatrics - design and photocopy a
picture for children to colour; display pictures and have them
judged; award prizes to winner and participants
-
Skits - consider a theatre interlude with groups of staff scripting
and performing a short skit or singing an Infection Control
song. How about an isolation garb fashion show?
Sample Infection Control Songs
"I'm So Much Cleaner" -
by Jim Gauthier
"Goodbye MRSA" - by Jim
Gauthier
"Control: the Cure for ACHY BREAKY
ICP Hearts" - by Lee Hanna & Marg McKenzie
- Theme character - dress up as a humorous "bug" and
visit the ward areas and departments (e.g. "Gertie Grunge",
"Infector Inspector"). This is particularly good for
Paediatric areas.
-
Test your handwashing skills - have participants check how well
they have washed their hands using "glow in the dark"
powders and solutions, available from various companies. Or
have them don gloves and then wash with coloured finger-paint,
to see where they have missed.
-
Handwashing cards - have staff carry handwashing cards to mark
each time they wash their hands during a shift. Put cards in
a box for a draw. This raises awareness of how many times hands
should be washed in a day.
-
Hands that Care - take photographs of the hands and faces of
various prominent individuals in your facility, then paste them
onto a poster. Have people try to match the hands with the faces,
with a prize to the winner.
-
Exhibitors - contact your local supply representatives, they
might be interested in setting up display booths, and are great
sources for giveaway items, buttons etc.
Tours - arrange a tour of your department, laboratories, etc.;
set up displays and demonstrations. Don't forget refreshments!
-
Poems - put an Infection Control poem in your facility newsletter
or paper or hold a contest to create a poem
-
Puzzles & Word Games - put an Infection Control puzzle or
word game in your facility newsletter or paper or provide puzzles
to solve for a prize
Sample Wordsearch
Create Your Own Puzzles
- Nutrition breaks - refreshments are a drawing card and provide
an opportunity for participants to meet and exchange information;
consider scheduling them before, during or after educational
presentations, during activities, or during a tour of your department
-
Movie Fest - have 15-20 minute films related to infection control
running all day or during breaks and mealtimes. Be sure to offer
treats (e.g. popcorn).
-
Demonstrations - arrange demos on specific techniques such as
isolation, gowning, masking and handwashing. Or set up a mock
isolation room and critique staff as they go in and perform
a "procedure" on a dummy patient, with a prize for
the person with the fewest errors in technique.
-
Prizes, prizes prizes... - be prepared to give away doorprizes,
prizes for contests, prizes for participation etc. Great giveaways
are hand creams, hand sanitizers, pens, etc.
Setting Up A Display
An Infection Control display is a great way to highlight an idea
or theme, provide educational materials for pickup and to promote
Infection Control to the public. You can set up a display within
your facility or externally, in malls, health care facilities
(e.g. Health Units), office building lobbies etc. A display can
be both manned or unmanned, depending on your time availability
and resources. Once the initial materials are obtained a display
may be used over and over for many years, so it is a very cost-effective
way to promote Infection Control.
Set up your display in a high-traffic area, such as lobbies, outside
the staff cafeteria or at the main patient entrance. Be sure to
check with your safety personnel in case there are restrictions
due to fire access (e.g. height, placement of display, etc.).
Try to keep your display uncluttered. Material for the poster
boards should follow the theme/Mission Statement and be placed
neatly, with clear headings. Secure material well, nothing looks
worse than items that are coming loose or falling down. Use a
sheet or tablecloth to cover the table that the display will rest
on, having it fall down the front of the table to hide table legs.
Posters can be pinned to this sheet if necessary.
Buttons and free samples can be placed on the table that the
display board sits on, to attract attention and generate interest.
This is also a good place to display educational materials such
as fact sheets and information brochures. If your display is unmanned,
don't forget to check it regularly and replace items that have
run out.
Chapter Activities Around The Country
Are you or others in your chapter planning something interesting
or different? Would you like to share your experiences with others?
We would love to hear from you with a description of your event
- what did you do, how did you go about it, what worked well and
what would you do differently the next time - as well as any useful
tools you would like to offer to others to help with future events.
Send your summary and information to the CHICA main office, Attention
Webmaster.
|
|
