Mastering Infection Control: Engaging Training for Nursing Home Safety

Explore the vital role of infection control in nursing homes and the new CMS rule on enhanced barrier precautions.

Overview of infection control in nursing homes and of the new CMS rule

Infection control plays a crucial role in nursing homes, where the risk of infectious diseases spreading among residents is high. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented a new rule on enhanced barrier precautions to address this concern. This rule aims to strengthen infection control practices and reduce the spread of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) in skilled nursing facilities.

The new CMS rule emphasizes the importance of implementing enhanced barrier precautions in resident care activities. These precautions include the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns and gloves, and strict adherence to hand hygiene practices. By implementing these measures, nursing homes can effectively prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and protect the health and well-being of their residents.

Understanding the new CMS rule

To fully comprehend the implications of the new CMS rule on enhanced barrier precautions, it is essential to understand its rationale and key changes from previous guidelines. CMS implemented the rule in response to the growing concern about antimicrobial resistance and the need for stricter infection control measures in nursing homes.

The fundamental changes introduced by the CMS rule include requiring staff to wear gowns and gloves during resident care activities that may involve contact with bodily fluids, chronic wounds, or other potential sources of infection. Additionally, the rule emphasizes the importance of proper hand hygiene practices and the appropriate use of PPE.

By understanding the new CMS rule, nursing home staff, including certified nursing assistants, can effectively implement enhanced barrier precautions and contribute to controlling and preventing infectious diseases among residents.

Importance of Enhanced Barrier Precautions

Enhanced barrier precautions are of utmost importance in controlling the spread of infectious diseases in nursing homes. By implementing these precautions, nursing home staff can effectively minimize the risk of transmission of MDROs and other infectious agents.

Appropriate PPE, such as gowns and gloves, acts as a physical barrier between staff and potentially infectious materials, preventing the transfer of microorganisms. Strict adherence to hand hygiene practices further reduces the risk of contamination and transmission.

Implementing enhanced barrier precautions ensures residents' and staff's safety and well-being. By preventing the spread of infectious diseases, nursing homes can maintain a healthy environment and provide quality care to their residents.

Strategies for Keeping Training Relevant

One of the most significant challenges nursing homes face regarding this rule is keeping training fresh and relevant without making it punitive. This challenge requires creativity and training best practices they can implement and operationalize quickly and easily. 

Let’s review some best practices nursing homes can adopt. 

Regular Training Sessions

Conducting regular training sessions helps to reinforce infection control protocols and update staff on the latest guidelines and best practices. Avoid having infrequent and extended classes. Short and engaging training is the gold standard. Keep content new and fresh and deliver it often so that it becomes second nature for staff.

Innovative Technology

 Utilizing technology, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), can enhance training experiences and make them more engaging and interactive. Look for training programs that allow staff to work through role-based scenarios to practice their knowledge in a low-stakes environment. 

Policy Updates and Training

Keeping policies and procedures current is crucial in infection control. Regularly updating policies and providing training on the changes helps staff stay informed and compliant. Using apps and other technology-enabled platforms can make updating staff on changes to policies and procedures easy.

Multi-Method Education & Role-Play Scenarios

Different training methods, such as in-services and self-study modules, accommodate different learning styles and ensure a comprehensive understanding of infection control practices. Ask staff how they learn best and focus training efforts accordingly.

Engaging staff in roleplay and story-based learning scenarios provides practical examples and helps them understand the real-life implications of infection control practices. Attaching the problem to a face and a name helps to make the importance of performing these strategies real. 

Monthly or Quarterly Debriefs

Regular debriefs allow staff to share their experiences and learn from each other's successes and challenges in implementing enhanced barrier precautions.

By implementing these strategies, nursing homes can ensure that infection control training remains relevant, effective, and impactful in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.