Washington HAI Action Networks

Qualis Health, in coordination with the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), now offers Washington hospitals three free Action Networks through the Safe Table Eliminating Hospital Acquired-Infections program.

These Action Networks are designed to harness the power of collaboration, to spread practical implementation of best practices, and to connect participants to national initiative activities and resources—all with an aim of achieving bold reductions in HAIs over the next three years.

The Action Networks focus on three specific HAIs: catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), Clostridium Difficile infections (CDI), and surgical site infections (SSI). Each of these HAIs contributes to unnecessary pain and suffering for patients and families and place hospitals at increased financial risk.

CAUTI Action Network Core Activities (Begins Nov. 2011 and Ends Oct. 2013)

• Assessment of current prevention activities and rates
• Teleconference/webinar series to share best practices and effective tools
• Facilitated peer-to-peer problem-solving of common challenges
• Re-assessment of current prevention activities and rates upon completion
• of teleconference/webinar series
• Access to national initiative activities and resources

CDI Action Network Core Activities (Begins Jan. 2012 and Ends Oct. 2013)

• Webinar Series: Optimizing antimicrobial stewardship at your hospital
• Collection and assessment of baseline CDI incidence rate using NHSN data during 2012
• Technical assistance for hospitals with baseline rate greater than national threshold
• Facilitated peer-to-peer problem-solving of common challenges
• Access to national initiative activities and resources

SSI Action Network Core Activities (Begins Sept. 2012 and Ends July 2014)

• Assessment of current prevention activities and rates
• Teleconference/webinar series to share best practices and effective tools
• Facilitated peer-to-peer problem-solving of common challenges
• Re-assessment of current prevention activities and rates upon completion of teleconference/webinar series
• Access to national initiative activities and resources
   

In addition, all Action Network participants will have access to the following:

• Quality Improvement Methods webinars to enhance knowledge among frontline staff
• HAI Prevention Activities Calendar to communicate ongoing range of learning opportunities
• HAI Mentor Directory to foster collaboration and shared learning between hospitals