VIPTA is a statewide infection prevention and control education collaborative, led by the Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group. Through partnership, VIPTA curates IPC resources for Virginia’s healthcare, congregate care, and public health settings.
“Wait – Do I Need PPE for This?” Making Sense of Enhanced Barrier Precautions
Infection prevention in long-term care takes teamwork—and sometimes a little extra reinforcement. It’s been a year since CMS formally added Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) to infection control guidance, and that big question— “Do I need PPE for this?”—still comes up.
EBP expands personal protective equipment (PPE) use beyond isolation, applying to high-contact care like wound care, changing linens, and bathing. EBP is key to stopping the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in long-term care facilities, but it takes clear systems and consistent staff education to make it stick.
What to Expect: This month’s resources are designed to meet your team where they are—whether you’re providing direct care, coordinating therapy, or supporting infection prevention efforts facility-wide.
- 8 Moments of Enhanced Barrier Precautions: Simple visual education tool. If you’ve ever heard “Do I need PPE for this?”—this tool is your new best friend. Also available in 8 other languages!
- VDH’s Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Nursing Homes Algorithm: This decision-making tool breaks down when and why to use EBP in plain language.
- CDC’s EBP Implementation—Observations Tool: Built for infection preventionists and facility leads, this resource helps track EBP use and identify areas for coaching
How to Use These Resources:
- Share the 8 Moments visual in breakrooms, care stations, huddles, or staff emails.
- Use the algorithm and observation tool to support your facility’s infection control plan or prep for survey readiness.
Enhanced Barrier Precautions are a big shift, but they’re not a solo effort. Whether you’re providing direct care or leading infection prevention and control (IPC) efforts, these tools are here to help you do the work and explain the why. Infection prevention is always evolving, but so are we.
Carilion IPs Promote Health and Prevention at Hollins University
The Carilion Clinic Infection Prevention and Control team recently took part in an exceptional community outreach event at the annual Hollins University Student Health Fair on April 23, 2025, engaging directly with students and staff on important health topics.
Carilion’s Infection Preventionists (IPs) brought energy, expertise, and education to the event, delivering interactive presentations focused on:
- Hand hygiene
- Sun safety
- Sexual health and STD prevention
In an inspiring show of mentorship and collaboration, the IP team was joined by a student intern who contributed a powerful perspective on mental health, especially as it relates to substance abuse and infectious diseases such as Hepatitis C.
Together, the team connected with the Hollins community, reinforcing the importance of everyday practices that protect personal and public health. Their efforts reflect the vital role IPs play not only in healthcare settings, but also in community outreach and education.
Thank you to the Carilion IP team for your commitment to health promotion and prevention. Your involvement in events like this strengthens the bridge between healthcare and the communities we serve!
