Upcoming videoconference, webcast targets infection prevention, control best practices
Province, OHA deliver session for healthcare providers
Friday October 17, 2008 -- Natalie Miller
Dial up or tune in on Tuesday, Oct. 21 to hear the latest best practices for infection prevention and control in Ontario's healthcare settings.

The Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC), facilitated by the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, presents 'Best Practices for Infection Prevention and Control Programs in Ontario in All Health Care Settings.'

The two-hour session is being delivered via videoconference and live webcast from 1 to 3 p.m.

The event is part of a joint effort between the province and the OHA to deliver ongoing, timely and important information about preventing and reducing the spread of contagious infections in Ontario hospitals and other healthcare environments.

"Healthcare-associated infections are an important patient safety issue and represent a significant adverse outcome of the healthcare system," states a bulletin about the session.

"Infection prevention and control (IPAC) programs have been shown to be clinically effective, reducing morbidity and mortality, as well as cost effective, providing important cost savings in terms of fewer health care-associated infections, reduced length of hospital stay, less antibiotic resistance and decreased costs of treatment for infections."

PIDAC has recently released a best practices document and the videoconference/webcast is aimed at helping healthcare providers navigate their way through the material.

The session targets senior administration, medical officers of health and others in a management role in all healthcare settings. Authors of the document will highlight key points and will be available to answer questions.

"It is expected that all settings in Ontario where healthcare is provided, across the continuum of healthcare, will work towards implementing the basic infection prevention and control practices and principles set out in this document."

To view the PIDAC best practices document, click here.

For more information about the event and/or to register, click here.

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