Infection Control in the Ambulatory Setting
1. There are several reasons why infection prevention in the outpatient setting a challenge. First of all, the scope of care that is being provided there is extremely wide. In addition to that, the complexity of care is also increasing. Finally, the volume of care is much more bigger than expected.Infection Control in the Ambulatory Setting
2. In Jacksonville, FL, the outbreak of Hepatitis C occurred because a radiology technician was using tainted fentanyl syringes. The root cause was that the technician was reusing disposable syringes. The patients were exposed to Hepatitis C infection. Clearly, this could have been prevented if the technician had not used the syringes twice. Even though there is no need for specific education regarding this issues, for some reason this requirement was not followed.
3. There is one group of patients that are particularly vulnerable and, therefore, needs extra protection. They are cancer patients. Given the fact that their organism is being exhausted by the treatment that they receive, one might assume that exposure to additional infections will be devastating for them. That is why they should be protected properly.Infection Control in the Ambulatory Setting