/ en Tue, 22 Oct 2024 21:28:13 -0500 Tue, 18 Jun 24 13:17:15 -0500 /joint-commission-new-requirements-infection-prevention-and-control-chapter-2024 <h1><span><span>ANALYSIS AND NEXT STEPS</span></span><br>The Joint Commission: New and Revised Requirements for the Infection Prevention and Control (IC) Chapter</h1><h3>The Joint Commission approved new and revised requirements for infection prevention and control (IC) standards, effective July 1, 2024.</h3><h3><span>Your current program is valid, but it needs expanding.</span></h3> Tue, 18 Jun 2024 13:17:15 -0500 Guides/Reports /project-firstline/evs-cleaning-disinfecting-job-aids Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:26:31 -0500 Guides/Reports /2020-value-membership-report <h5>MEMBERS MUST LOGIN TO VIEW AND ACCESS THE REPORT</h5> <p>This report explores how participation in 91°µÍøºÚÁÏprofessional membership has driven the performance and career advancement of our members.</p> <h3>Health Care Environmental Services</h3> <p>The environmental services (EVS) team takes primary responsibility for maintaining clean and safe health care environments, a role that should not be underestimated. Environmental services is critical not only to keeping a health care facility running smoothly but also to improving patient outcomes and patient experience. Frontline EVS staff interact with patients, family members and clinicians, often spending 12-18 minutes per interaction on a daily basis. Although they may never touch a patient, the work they perform can save lives.</p> <h3>The Association for the Health Care Environment</h3> <p>The Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) is a Professional Membership Group (PMG) of the 91°µÍøºÚÁÏ (AHA). 91°µÍøºÚÁÏis the organization of choice for professionals responsible for establishing and maintaining health care environments that are free of surface contamination and that support safety, service and efficient and effective operations. 91°µÍøºÚÁÏis the go-to resource for best-in-class tools, products, education and training that raise the standard of the health care environmental services field and shape the future workforce for over 2,300 professionals committed to pathogen-free, healing environments across all care settings.</p> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="/system/files/media/file/2021/01/Value_of_Membership_Report_2020_Updated_10_29_1.pdf" role="button">Download the Full Report</a><br /> Member access only. Login required.</p> <hr /> <p><em><strong>Not a member?</strong></em><br /> Non-members can access these insights by filling out the access request form.</p> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="https://ams.aha.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?webcode=AHAMembershipList&asn_key=33113A9D-2029-4060-8C94-43F794AD56DB" role="button">Join</a></p> Mon, 15 Jun 2020 07:59:07 -0500 Guides/Reports /core-competencies-health-care-environmental-services-professionals-report .left-image { float: right; margin-right: 25px; margin-left: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } <div class="left-image"><a href="https://www.ahemediakit.org" target="_blank"><img alt="91°µÍøºÚÁÏEducation Image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5ca31e0-6625-47f3-9ca4-a8a8dca4e9f3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ahe-house-ad-image-300x250.png" width="300" height="250"> </a></div> <h2>Core Competencies</h2> <p>A core competency is considered one that is an absolute requirement for a specific job. These core competencies may be used to create job descriptions, assess performance and guide professional development; self-assess skill levels and training needs and set improvement goals, and determine staff training needs. It should be noted that job titles vary by organizational size, structure, level within a health care system and other organizational attributes. Core competencies, not titles, should drive decision-making about compensation and appropriate pay bands. It should also be noted that leadership titles vary by size, system level, organizational structure and other characteristics of a health care organization. Users should exercise judgment in determining which title most applies to their particular management structure.</p> <p><strong>These guidelines were developed for acute care hospitals, but they may be used in various health care settings as most of the core competencies have broad applicability.</strong></p> <p>The core competencies were developed using two job task analyses as a starting point. In the second phase of development, subject matter experts determined which competencies should be elevated to the core level. </p> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="https://ams.aha.org/EWEB/?ahabu=AHE&Action=Add&ObjectKeyFrom=1A83491A-9853-4C87-86A4-F7D95601C2E2&WebCode=ProdDetailAdd&DoNotSave=yes&ParentObject=CentralizedOrderEntry&ParentDataObject=Invoice%20Detail&ivd_formkey=69202792-63d7-4ba2-bf4e-a0da41270555&ivd_prc_prd_key=229b23aa-3b45-48db-bd92-9dead6cf3faa" role="button">Get the Full Report</a></p> <h3>Fees</h3> <p>Member: $0.00<br> Non-Member: $129.00</p> <hr> <h4><em><strong>Not a member? </strong></em><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="https://ams.aha.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?webcode=AHAMembershipList&asn_key=33113A9D-2029-4060-8C94-43F794AD56DB" role="button">Join </a></h4> Mon, 11 May 2020 08:43:36 -0500 Guides/Reports /EBtraining <h5> </h5> <h5>Members must login to view and access the report.</h5> <p>The Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) created its Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician (CHEST) training program using an innovative, cost-effective model, in which facilities select representatives from their staff to be trained through AHE’s CHEST train-the-trainer program. Upon completion, representatives then deliver the CHEST certification program in their facility directly to frontline staff. As of January 2020, more than 1,100 environmental services professionals in 43 states have achieved the designation of Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician trainer (T-CHEST). They have trained and certified more than 5,000 frontline technicians.</p> <p>Survey research conducted by 91°µÍøºÚÁÏrevealed that in 2019, the CHEST program demonstrated improvements in health care-associated infections, relevant Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient satisfaction scores, frontline staff turnover and communication patterns between frontline staff and other health care team members. Specifically, the CHEST program achieved the following outcomes:</p> <h3><strong>Infection Prevention</strong></h3> <p>Rates of surgical site infections and other health care-associated infections (HAIs) decreased by amounts ranging from 20.6% to 75.9% after CHEST training. The rates of C. diff, MRSA, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections each dropped by more than half after the training.</p> <h3>HCAHPS Scores</h3> <p>Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores before and after CHEST training reflected improvements in two metrics related to environmental services—cleanliness of patient rooms and environment conducive to sleep.</p> <h3>Frontline Staff Turnover</h3> <p>Staff turnover among frontline environmental services technicians dropped by nearly one-third after CHEST training was implemented. </p> <h3>Frequency of Interaction</h3> <p>After CHEST training, frontline environmental services staff interacted with their clinical colleagues more frequently on a daily and weekly basis. This includes nurses, operating room managers, infection preventionists and physicians. More frequent interaction allows for issues to be addressed promptly rather than waiting for periodic, scheduled meetings or allowing them to go unaddressed. </p> <hr /> <p>Access these insights by filling out the access request form.</p> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="https://aha2.realmagnet.land/chest-data-collection" role="button">Request Access</a></p> Fri, 10 Apr 2020 10:37:27 -0500 Guides/Reports /marketing-yourself <p>This documents gives guidance on how to market yourself through networking, making connections, preparing for calls, getting past gatekeepers, and achieving great outcomes.</p> Fri, 24 May 2019 09:24:07 -0500 Guides/Reports /about/trends%20data%20survey <h1><strong>91°µÍøºÚÁÏTrends Data Survey </strong></h1> <p>Every year 91°µÍøºÚÁÏconducts an annual survey to track ongoing trends in the environmental services and health care industries. The research is designed to provide trends and emerging data on major issues, challenges, and opportunities facing the environmental services profession, its related disciplines, and the 91°µÍøºÚÁÏmembership. This summary report includes an overview of data collected from the last five surveys conducted.</p> <p>Available to members only. Not a member? <a href="http://www.ahe.org/Membership/member_types.shtml?utm_source=MagnetMail&utm_medium=email&utm_term=INSERT_EMAIL&utm_content=INSERT_MESSAGE_NAME&utm_campaign=INSERT_MESSAGE_SUBJECT">Join today</a> to access the summary report and receive other exclusive member benefits.</p> <h3>Purchase 2018's Trends Data Survey</h3> <p>Industry Professionals who are considering becoming 91°µÍøºÚÁÏsponsors can purchase the 2018 Trends Data Survey. Have in-depth insights at your fingertips!</p> <p>Price: $2,500</p> <p>Please contact <a href="mailto:ahe@aha.org">ahe@aha.org</a> with inquiries. 91°µÍøºÚÁÏreserves the right to refuse sales.</p> Mon, 24 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0500 Guides/Reports /hospital-beds <p>December 6th, 2017 | <strong>Formats:</strong> Guideline | <strong>Content Areas: </strong>Environmental Sanitation Operations, Textile Management Operations | <strong>Tags: </strong>Beds, Laundry and Textiles, Linen</p> <hr /> <header role="heading"> <section data-block-plugin-id="entity_view:node" id="block-entityviewcontent-14"> <p>Between January 1, 1985 and January 1, 2013, FDA received 901 incidents of patients caught, trapped, entangled, or strangled in hospital beds. The reports included 531 deaths, 151 nonfatal injuries, and 220 cases where staff needed to intervene to prevent injuries. Most patients were frail, elderly or confused.</p> </section> </header> <p>The efforts of the FDA and the Hospital Bed Safety Workgroup have culminated in FDA's release of <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/71460/download" target="">Hospital Bed System Dimensional and Assessment Guidance to Reduce Entrapment</a>. This guidance provides recommendations for manufacturers of new hospital beds and for facilities with existing beds (including hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences).</p> <p>Healthcare facilities developing comprehensive bed safety programs should consider:</p> <ul> <li>following the Clinical Guidance for the Assessment and Implementation of Bed Rails to assess an individual patient's needs when using a side rail; and</li> <li>consulting with the hospital bed manufacturer and their facilities’ risk managers.</li> </ul> <p>The HBSW has developed a <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hospital-beds/hbsw-hospital-bed-safety-entrapment-kit-ordering-instructions">Bed Safety Entrapment Kit</a> containing information and tools that can be used to assess the risk of entrapment in hospital beds. Additional information about the kit is also provided in the FDA Guidance.<br />  </p> <p><a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/general-hospital-devices-and-supplies/hospital-beds">https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/general-hospital-devices-and-supplies/hospital-beds</a></p> Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:27:33 -0600 Guides/Reports /covers-hospital-bed-mattresses-learn-how-keep-them-safe <p>December 6th, 2017 | <strong>Formats:</strong> Guideline | <strong>Content Areas: </strong>Environmental Sanitation Operations, Textile Management Operations | <strong>Tags: </strong>Beds, Environmental hygiene and Sanitation, Laundry and Textiles, Linen, Policies</p> <hr /> <p>Hospital beds refer to a variety of medical devices that are classified as beds. FDA regulations classify hospital beds as Class I and Class II devices. These devices are used for patients in acute care, long-term care, or home care settings. A hospital bed system encompasses the bed frame and its components, including the bed side rails, head and foot board, the mattress, and any accessories added to the bed, such a detachable mattress cover.</p> <p>A hospital bed mattress cover provides outer protection to a mattress by preventing blood and other body fluids from entering the inside (inner core) of the mattress. Such covers may be coated with or contain an antimicrobial solution that kills germs (viruses or bacteria) or prevents bacterial growth. There are multiple terms used to describe hospital bed mattress covers: water-resistant (keeps liquid away from the material), water-proof (prevents liquid from entering inside the material), or water-repellent (keeps liquid away from the material and prevents liquid from entering inside the material). Covers are usually detachable from the mattress or the mattress lining, meaning that they can be removed or replaced.</p> <h4><strong>Safety Concerns</strong></h4> <p>Over time, hospital bed mattress covers can wear out and allow blood and body fluids to penetrate and get trapped inside mattresses. If blood or body fluids from one patient penetrate and get absorbed in a mattress, the fluids can leak out the next time the mattress is used. Coming into contact with these fluids poses a risk of infection to patients using the bed.</p> <p>The FDA issued a <a href="https://wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20170722215739/https:/www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm348016.htm" target="_blank">safety communication</a> in 2013 alerting health care providers, health care facility staff, and caregivers to these safety concerns. From 2011 through 2016, the FDA has received over 700 reports of a hospital bed mattress cover failing to prevent blood or body fluids from leaking into the mattress.</p> <h4>Recommendations</h4> <p>These recommendations are based on <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/environmental/index.html" target="_blank">guidelines</a> for environmental infection control in health care facilities issued by the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC). They are intended to help health care providers, health care facility staff, and caregivers ensure hospital bed mattress covers are safe for use in health care settings.</p> <h5><br /> Develop an Inspection Plan</h5> <ul> <li>Create an inspection plan for all hospital bed mattresses and mattress covers in your facility.</li> <li>Check the manufacturers’ guidelines for an expected life time on the hospital bed mattress and mattress covers and follow any additional recommendations listed there.</li> <li>Contact the mattress cover manufacturer for any additional questions not covered here.</li> </ul> <h5>Inspect</h5> <ul> <li>Regularly check each hospital bed mattress cover for any visible signs of damage or wear such as cuts, tears, cracks, pinholes, snags, or stains.</li> <li>Routinely remove the hospital bed mattress cover and check its inside surface. Once the mattress cover is removed, inspect the mattress for wet spots, staining, or signs of damage or wear. Check all sides and the bottom of the mattress.</li> <li>Be aware that it may be difficult to identify damaged or soiled mattresses without removing the mattress covers first. Mattress covers tend to be dark in color, making it hard to see what lies underneath.</li> </ul> <h5>Remove and Replace</h5> <ul> <li>Remove any damaged, worn, or visibly stained hospital bed mattress according to the health care facility’s procedures and manufacturer’s instructions.</li> <li>Immediately replace any hospital bed mattress cover with visible signs of stains, damage or wear to reduce the risk of infection to patients.</li> </ul> <h5>Maintain</h5> <ul> <li>Clean and disinfect undamaged hospital bed mattress covers according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.</li> <li>DO NOT stick needles into a hospital bed mattress through the mattress cover.</li> </ul> <h4>Hospital Bed Mattresses Covers Safety Poster</h4> <p>The FDA has developed a poster addressing key safety aspects about hospital bed mattress covers, including the recommendations listed above. This poster is available for free download and can be used as a safety reminder about hospital bed mattress covers in health care settings.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hospital-beds/covers-hospital-bed-mattresses-learn-how-keep-them-safe">https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hospital-beds/covers-hospital-bed-mattresses-learn-how-keep-them-safe</a></p> Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:16:50 -0600 Guides/Reports /suggestions-interviewers <p>April 11, 2017 | <b>Formats:</b> Guideline, News Release</p> Tue, 11 Apr 2017 11:38:47 -0500 Guides/Reports