Health Education-Industry Partnership

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

Health Education-Industry Partnership

HEALTHCARE CORE CURRICULUM

Module Outline and Instructor Resources

Module Title: Healthcare Safety and Standard Precautions

Credit/Hours: .5/8 Hours

Module Description

This module focuses on the rules and standards related to regulatory policies required of healthcare

facilities as well as personal safety standards and requirements to work in healthcare settings. Included

are the principles and standards of infection control, Standard Precautions, healthcare facility safety

policies, strategies to ensure personal and client/individual safety, and procedures to respond to

emergencies.

Evaluation Method

This module will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Assignments/ Exams must be passed at 75% or greater. Retests on exams are determined by college and program policy.

Competencies:

1. List regulatory agencies and the requirements they set for safety standards for healthcare facilities, their employees, and clients/individuals.

2. Explain the current requirements of standard precautions and the procedures used at a variety of healthcare facilities to support those standards.

3. Describe the methods healthcare facilities use to achieve physical, chemical, and biological safety.

4. Describe the principles and standards of infection control.

5. Identify the ways in which healthcare workers can demonstrate personal and client safety including the use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and safety signs and symbols and labels.

6. Demonstrate proper hand washing and gloving.

7. Explain the procedures used to respond to client/individual and healthcare facility emergencies (including fire safety) and natural disasters.

8. Using a problem solving process applied to healthcare situations, describe the standards needed to ensure healthcare safety.

Module Author:

Marjorie R. Reif, P.A.C., C.M.A.

Medical Assistant Program Coordinator

Rochester Community & Technical College

851 30th Ave Se, Rochester, MN 55904-4999

Revised 2010 by

Pat Reinhart, RN Dede Carr, BS, LDA

NAHHA Coordinator, HCCC Instructor, Nursing Faculty Dental Assistant Instructor, HCCC Instructor

Minneapolis Community & Technical College Minneapolis Community & Technical College

Revised 2014 by:

Pat Reinhart, RN
NAHHA Coordinator, HCCC Instructor, Nursing Faculty
Minneapolis Community & Technical College
/ Bonnie Wendt, RN BS
NAR Coordinator
Minnesota Department of Health
/ Diane Gold, RN, APRN, MS
Consultant
Health Force Minnesota
/ Sue Field, RN, DNP, CNE
Consultant
Health Force Minnesota

Table of Contents

Module Outline and Instructor Resources 1

Modules Competencies and Instructor Notes 3

Instructor Resources 17

PowerPoints 17

Learning Activities 18

Assessment Measurements 19

Websites 20

YouTube Videos and Movies 21

Vocabulary List 22

Common Internal and External Disaster Handout 27

Fire Safety 27

Thunderstorm and Tornado Safety 28

Summer Heat and Humidity Dangers 28

Winter Weather 29

8/12/2015

Modules Competencies and Instructor Notes

MODULE
COMPETENCY / UNIT
COMPETENCY / RECOMMENDED
MODULE CONTENT / INSTRUCTOR NOTES /
1. List regulatory agencies and the requirements they set for safety standards for healthcare facilities, their employees, and clients. / 1 A. Identify selected safety terminology relevant to healthcare. / 1A. Terminology and Definitions / Review the attached Vocabulary List for Healthcare Safety and Standard Precautions module.
1 B. Identify the CDC and list its safety requirement(s) as they pertain to the healthcare environment. / 1B. Regulatory Agencies:
a. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
· Studies the causes and distribution of diseases.
· Formulates safety guidelines to help prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.
· Identities Standard Precautions apply to every client in the healthcare environment
· Identifies Transmission-Based Precautions
1. Airborne
2. Droplet
3. Contact
1 C. Identify OSHA and the department of Health (Example: MN Department of Health or MDH), and list safety regulations as they pertain to the healthcare environment. / 1C. Identify OSHA and MDH
OSHA -(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
a. OSHA identifies Occupational Exposure to Blood borne Pathogens Standard
Hazard Communication Rule: “Right to Know” MDH (Minnesota Department of Health)
a. Informs workers when working with hazardous/ infectious materials and provides for the availability of infection control measures if necessary.
b. MDH supervises the compliance of facilities to health regulations. / Review:
Right to Know Law
(Minnesota Statute 182.655)
1D. Identify the Joint Commission and describe its role in regulating safety with the healthcare environment. / 1D. Joint Commission
Role of the Joint Commission
a. Private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to encourage the attainment of high standards of institutional medical care.
b. Establishes guidelines for operation
c. Conducts inspections
1E. Identify the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and list its requirements. / 1E. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
a. occupational exposure
b. non-intact skin
c. exposure incident
Exposure control plan (Control methods)
a. engineering controls
b. work practice controls
c. PPE
d. HBV vaccine
2. Explain the current requirements of standard precautions and the procedures used at a variety of healthcare facilities to support those standards. / 2 A. Explain the purpose of standard precautions and when they are applied. / 2A. Standard Precautions
a. Basic infection control practices for all health care facilities in the United States and any industry which could affect the health of citizens.
b. Developed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
c. Designed to reduce the risk of transmission of disease producing microorganisms.
d. Used for ALL clients
e. Used if client or caregiver has non-intact or broken skin
f. Used when there is exposure or potential exposure to body fluids:
o Blood
o Urine
o Stool
o Saliva
o vaginal secretions
o Contact with mucous membranes
o HIV risk
o HBV risk
· Remember: perspiration is not a body fluid
2 B. List common pathogens. / 2B. Pathogen is an organism capable of causing disease.
a. Bacteria
o Streptococcus
o Staphylococcus
o Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB)
b. Fungus
o Candida Albicans
o Tinea Capitus
o Tinea Pedis
c. Virus
o Common Cold
o Influenza
o Herpes Simplex
o Herpes Zoster
o Hepatiis A, B&C
o HIV, AIDS
Drug Resistant Organisms
a. MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus)
b. CMV Cytomegalovirus
c. VRE
Food Borne Illnesses
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
2C. Identify PPE (personal protective equipment) and usage. / 2C. Standard Precautions: Guidelines/Practices Include:
a. Handwashing:
· Wash hands frequently
· Wash hands before and after contact with a client
b. Gloves:
· Wear when touching body fluids or items contaminated with body fluids.
· Change gloves between tasks and remove before touching clean items
c. Mask, Eye Protection, Face Shield to be worn when there is a risk of splashes or body fluid
d. Gown
· Wear to protect skin
· Wear to protect clothing when there is a risk of contracting body fluid
e. Shoe Covers
· to protect shoes
· to prevent transfer of pathogen
Handling of Needles & Sharps
a. Handle and dispose of in a way that avoids the transfer of pathogens
Linen & Trash
a. Handle and dispose of in a way that avoids the transfer of pathogens.
2D. List compliance measures for Blood borne Pathogens Standards. / 2D. Compliance measures
a. Work practice controls
b. PPE & its availability
c. HBV vaccine
Guidelines for specific situations
a. Exposure to Fluids
b. Spills of Fluids
c. Waste Management
· biohazard bags/labels
· sharps
· contaminated patient care supplies
2E. Identify types of Isolation Precautions and describe why isolation is used in a healthcare facility. / 2E. Isolation procedures are implemented with persons who have easily transmitted diseases.
A. Rules to be followed are based on the method of transmission of the pathogen.
a. Uses for isolation precautions:
· To protect the client
· To protect the public & healthcare worker
b. Types: of isolation
· Contact Isolation: Person to person touch by contaminated hands or indirectly by contaminated items
· Droplet Isolation: No direct contact but occurs within three (3) feet of person and spread is by sneeze, cough, or talking.
· Airborne Isolation: The germ is in the air and inhaled by the host
c. Isolation Procedures
· Restriction to a room
· Special procedures for disposal of linen or trash
· Keeping special equipment in the room like thermometers
2F. Identify concerns and needs of clients in isolation. / 2F. Clients in isolation may feel:
a. Lonely
b. Unclean/untouchable
c. Uncertain of the need for isolation
Clients in isolation may need:
a. Evidence of acceptance by those who enter the room
b. Additional checks or visits to determine their needs.
3. Describe the methods healthcare facilities use to achieve physical, chemical, and biological safety. / 3 A. Explain physical hazards and list safe practice guidelines. / 3A. A major cause of fires:
a. improper use of smoking materials
b. defects in heating system
c. improper trash disposal
d. misuse of electrical equipment
e. spontaneous combustion
Safety practices
Fire Extinguisher
a. Most are dry chemical type and are suited to all types of fires.
b. Know location
How to proceed during a fire or alarm: RACE
a. Remove: Remove individuals in immediate danger
b. Alert: Alert all staff/ Activate Alarm
c. Confine: Confine the fire
d. Extinguish: Extinguish fire if possible, follow facility
How to use a fire extinguisher: PASS
a. Pull: Pull safety pin (Twist & pull)
b. Aim: Aim nozzle at base of fire
c. Squeeze: Squeeze trigger handle
d. Sweep: Sweep side to side at base of fire.
Sharps/Glassware equipment / Exercise in NFPA labeling, utilizing SDS information.
Several groups:
Each describe Fire extinguishers and proper use. Note website use
3 B. Explain chemical hazards and their labeling requirements. / 3B. Chemical Hazards & Safety Guidelines
Hazard Types
a. Flammable
b. Toxic
c. Corrosive
d. Caustic
e. Carcinogenic
f. Mutagenic
Oxygen
SDS ( Safety Data Sheets)
a. Chemical Hazard
b. National Fire Protection Association
Labeling:
a. Standard at all facilities throughout the United States.
b. Labeling (National Fire Protection Association)
· RED: flammability hazard
· BLUE: health hazard
· YELLOW: reactive hazard
· WHITE: special hazard (like oxidizer, acid, alkali, corrosive, radiation, no
3 C. Explain biological hazards & their safety guidelines / 3C. Biological Hazards & Safety Guidelines
a. Bloodborne Pathogen
b. Standard Precautions
c. Employees that are at risk
d. Waste Disposal
4. Describe principals and standards of infection control. / 4 A. Explain the purpose of standard precautions and when they are to be applied. / 4A. Infection Control
Practices that prevent the growth and spread of disease producing microorganisms (pathogens or germs).
a. Chain of Infection: Exposure to Agent or pathogen:
b. Infectious agent (pathogen)
Infection Cycle
a. Reservoir Host
b. Portal of Exit
c. Transmission (direct or indirect contact)
d. Portals of Entry
e. Susceptible Host
Ways microorganisms enter the body
a. mouth
b. nose
c. eyes
d. urinary tract
e. cuts or injury through a broken skin
f. Contaminated material may enter through tubes in the body
· indwelling urinary catheters
· IV (Intravenous) tubing
· Tube feedings
Conditions which affect the growth of pathogens
a. Temperature (Most microorganisms grow and thrive at temperatures between 400 to 1100 F)
b. Moisture
c. Air (If necessary for pathogen growth)
d. Darkness (Direct sunlight can kill some germs; Most pathogens grow in dark areas)
e. Food source is available for the pathogen to multiply
f. Body secretions
g. Food/nutritional intake of the individual
h. Body discharge in trach or on equipment
4 B. List guidelines that reduce the spread of infection. / 4B. Practice Infection Control
a. Handwashing
b. Waterless hand sanitizer
c. Application of Standard Precautions
d. Aseptic Practices
· housekeeping
· handle/ dispose of soiled materials: separate clean and dirty items.
e. keep linen away from clothing
f. never place linen on the floor; If linen falls on the floor place it in a soiled linen hamper
Biological waste disposal
a. Use of gloves
b. Antiseptics
c. Disinfectants, Methods of supplies and equipment
d. Sterilization Methods
Correct handling of food
Maintain workers own good health
a. Well balanced diet, rest , exercise, good mental health
b. Do not go to work if ill and teach visitors to stay away from facility if ill. / Learn vocabulary pertaining to the competency
Refer to Vocabulary List for the module regarding different types of pathogens and types of bacteria.
5. Identify the ways in which healthcare workers can demonstrate personal and client safety use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and safety signs, symbols and labels. / 5 A. Identify common safety issues/injuries and guidelines for prevention. / 5A. Injuries, Preventive Measures, and General Safety
a. Common Client Injuries
b. Common Employee Injuries
c. Preventive Measures
General Housekeeping Measures (rugs, carpeting, lighting, ventilation, restraints, etc.)
General Health of healthcare workers (infectious diseases & when to stay home) / Learn vocabulary pertaining to the competency
Refer to Vocabulary List for the module
Research Safety Data Sheets (SDS) websites
5 B. List the principles of body mechanics for personal safety / 5B. Maintain normal posture and be mindful of body mechanics
Reduce OTJ injuries
5C. List general guidelines for maintain good body mechanics / 5C. Guidelines for maintenance of good body mechanics
a. Erect body posture.
b. Bending at the knees.
c. Using large muscles for lifting.
d. Feet should be 6-8 inches apart.
e. Keep close to the load.
f. Raise surface to your center of gravity. / Learn vocabulary pertaining to the competency
Refer to Vocabulary List for the module
5D. Identify correct techniques when lifting, pulling, pushing, and turning.
5E. Discuss safety equipment utilized in areas of healthcare. / 5D. Correct Techniques for:
a. Lifting
b. Pulling
c. Pushing
d. Turning
5E. Equipment:
a. EZ Stand
b. Ceiling Lift
c. Hoyer Lift
d. Transfer Belt
6. Describe proper handwashing and gloving. / 6 A. Demonstrate proper handwashing and describe the principles of the procedure steps.
6 B. Demonstrate application and removal of clean gloves and describe the principles of the procedure steps. / 6A. Principles and Technique for Handwashing
a. most effective way to prevent the spread of disease
b. should be done when beginning work and when leaving work
c. should be done before and after any care is given to a client
d. should be done before and after handling any food
e. should be done after using the bathroom, combing hair, using a tissue, eating, drinking or smoking
f. should be done after working with anything soiled
g. friction or rigorous rubbing removes germs
6B. Principles and Technique for Application/Removal for Clean Gloves
a. Skin to Skin
b. Glove to Glove / Wash hands appropriately
7. Explain the procedures used to respond to client and healthcare facility emergencies (including fire safety) and natural disasters. / 7 A. List general guidelines for any emergency. / 7A. General Emergency Guideline
a. Know facility procedures and phone numbers
b. Know location of emergency equipment and supplies
c. Remain calm
d. Perform emergency measures within scope of training
7 B. Explain the general protocol/ procedure for a FIRST RESPONSE to:
Medical emergency
Workplace injury
7 C. Response in natural disasters / 7B. “First Response” Protocol
a. Facility Policy
b. Know Job description
General Procedure
Medical emergency
a. Primary survey of environment and victim
b. Contact EMS
c. Obtain assistance
d. Proceed as facility policy dictates
ABC awareness
a. A = Airway
b. B = Breathing
c. C= Circulation
Do not move victim
7 C. Workplace injury or natural disaster
Contact supervisor
1. Follow procedure manual (workplace)
2. Contact Red Cross if needed / Navigate Red Cross website
8. Using a problem solving process applied to healthcare situations; describe the critical principles and standards needed to ensure healthcare safety. / 8A.Discuss the problem solving process as applied to healthcare safety utilizing a team approach. / 8A. Utilizing a five-step problem solving process:
a. Identify the problem
b. Gather information/data collection
c. Create Alternatives/Possible Solutions
d. Select and Act
e. Evaluate and Revise as needed
Concern in various situations
a. Personal safety
b. Worker safety
c. Client safety / Given a specific emergency scenario, the student(s) will identify the risks and safety issues, and then explain the correct response steps and/or procedure.

8/12/2015