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.
One for All! Mastering Safe Injection Practices with the Injectioneers
Say ‘bonjour’ to better vial safety! A VIPTA partner, the Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center (VIPTC), brings you the Injectioneers— a fun and animated team delivering practical tips through an engaging story to keep your injection practices sharp.
Single and Multidose Vials with the Injectioneers
What to Expect
- Follow the “Injectioneers” as they demonstrate the essential steps for safely handling single-use and multi-dose vials.
- Learn the “only one” rule and gain practical tips on preparation, handling, and disposal.
Ways to Share this Resource
- Use in team huddles, training sessions, or email updates.
- Perfect for introducing or reinforcing foundational infection prevention concepts.
Target Audience: Foundational IPC Education Level
Reinforcing Healthy Behaviors: A Special Dialysis Christmas Shop at UVA Zions Crossroads
Promoting healthy habits in chronic disease patients can be challenging, but UVA Zions Crossroads Dialysis offers a creative example. Administrative Assistant S.P. and Registered Dietician K.G. planned and led a unique Dialysis Christmas Shop to encourage positive behaviors.
Planning and Participation: The event takes over a year to organize and requires stable staffing, so it isn’t held every year. About 90% of the shop’s items are new, sourced through yard sales, staff donations (often re-gifted), and include practical gifts like blenders, grills, jackets, tools, and children’s presents for grandparents.
Purpose and Pricing: Many dialysis patients have limited incomes, and the holidays can be stressful. Items are priced affordably so everyone can participate. Some patients even share leftover “dialysis dollars” to help others buy special gifts.
Earning ‘Dialysis Dollars’: Starting in September, patients earn ‘dialysis dollars’ by demonstrating healthy behaviors, including:
- Controlling phosphorus levels (monthly measured)
- Managing fluid intake (reviewed by K.G. over 7 treatments)
- Consistently attending dialysis sessions
- Staying for the full treatment time
- Completing an educational crossword puzzle
Patients can earn up to $15, and these dollars cannot be taken away, even if unexpected events occur (hospitalization, surgery, transportation issues). Education is provided on why these behaviors matter.
Impact: Three motivated patients earned the full $15 for shopping, and most of the 44 patients participated. Extra items were raffled off to spread holiday cheer.
This initiative shows that positive reinforcement can bring joy and promote health in a chronic disease community during the holidays.
