What to know
- Presentation Day/Time: Thursday, April 24, 2:05–2:25 pm
- Presenter: Alexandra Barger, MD, MPH, EIS officer assigned to the Kentucky Department for Public Health
What did we do?
- In Kentucky, no regulation or statute requires podiatrists to adhere to specific infection prevention (IP) guidelines. We investigated a report of IP violations in a podiatry practice by assessing IP practices with a site visit, evaluating patient risk for bloodborne pathogen exposure, and developing recommendations to improve IP protocols.
What did we find?
- Scalpel blades and other instruments were found dwelling in used disinfectant solution before next use. Staff reported changing this solution weekly or if "visibly soiled."
- Improper injectable medication handling and use of expired medications were also observed.
- At the one-month follow-up visit, violations had been corrected.
- The practice purchased autoclaves, and instruments were no longer being inappropriately reused.
Why does it matter?
• Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care and if best practices are not followed patients are at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other infections.
• A regulatory gap exists in Kentucky that allows IP violations in ambulatory podiatry settings to go unrecognized and unaddressed.
• Public health departments should collaborate with Podiatry Boards to discuss regulatory and other means of strengthening IP.
Abstract Category: Healthcare-Associated Infections