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.
New Resource is making a SPLASH!
Virginia Infection Prevention and Control Training Center (VIPTC) released their first animated video, and it is focused on the risky “splash zone” around healthcare water sources.
Staying Safe in the Splash Zone (3:30)
Target Audience: Essentials IPC education level
Ways to Share These Resources:
- This quick video, only three and a half minutes long, is perfect to add to facility orientation and to include in annual infection prevention and control updates.
- You can pair this video with a rounding checklist or splash zone reminder sign that is available from Health Quality Innovation:
VDH Southwest Regional Team Infection Prevention Mentorship Program
This month, Paige Bordwine, Southwest Regional Epidemiologist with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is highlighting the successes of an infection prevention mentorship program among health department staff in her region.
The Southwest Virginia Regional Infection Prevention team consists of three infection preventionists (IPs), supported by regional containment team members who assist with COVID-19 investigation and prevention. To strengthen IPC expertise and expand regional support, the IPs began mentoring containment team members. Through shadowing during on-site IPC assessments, mentees gained hands-on experience in conducting observations, providing education, and offering resources to address facility needs.
After facilities receive their recommendations report, an IP mentee follows up to address questions and needs, as well as provide education, observations, and interventions based on the IPC assessment. Notably, many skilled nursing and congregate care facilities lacked trained N95 fit testers. In response, the regional team assigned a specialist to conduct train-the-trainer sessions and assist with initial fit testing.
The Southwest Region has received excellent feedback on the value of the IP mentee program. Facilities benefit from mentee support, while mentees gain infection prevention experience, often using the program as a pathway to becoming infection preventionists and pursuing certification in infection control. Mentees describe the experience as rewarding, impactful, and an invaluable learning opportunity.
