Infection Control Program

The purpose of the Infection Control Program is to control and prevent the spread of infectious diseases at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) Ambulatory Clinic. This is done by monitoring infections and implementing control measures through the education of patients, visitors, and employees.

The goal of the Infection Control Program is to maintain the safest possible environment for patients, visitors, and employees.

INFECTION CONTROL TEAM
-Corey Casper, MD, MPH, Infection Control Medical Director
-Sara Dreitzler, RN, MPH, CIC, Infection Control Coordinator
-Lois Helbert, RN, Clinical Risk and Quality Coordination

INFECTION CONTROL COMMITTEE
The SCCA Infection Control Committee is comprised of representatives from specialty areas throughout SCCA. The committee meets monthly to evaluate policies, review current infection control programs, and discuss current infection control concerns.

INFECTION CONTROL ACTIVITIES

SURVEILLANCE: SCCA has the first surveillance system for tracking outpatient infections among comprehensive cancer centers. The surveillance system tracks bacterial, viral, and fungal infections among outpatients. Trends in infections are plotted and analyzed in real time.
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION: Any unusual clustering of infections in patients or staff is investigated in order to identify potential problems. Recommendations are then made to prevent the spread of infection.
CONSULTATION: Infection Control is available to provide consultative services to patients and employees regarding infection control and prevention issues.
EDUCATION: The program provides education to patients and employees regarding key infection control topics, including:
      - Hand hygiene
      - Respiratory etiquette
      - Flu prevention
      - Infection prevention during cancer treatment
      - Food safety

PLANNING FOR EMERGING THREATS: Infection Control works in collaboration with Public Health Seattle King County to plan for emerging infectious disease threats; including, antibiotic resistant infections and pandemic influenza.

October 2007