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Infection Prevention & Control Fundamentals in LTC

Join us for this essential education conference that is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard their facilities. This comprehensive program for nurses, CNAs, Administrators and all LTC clinical staff members will delve into the latest strategies and best practices for preventing and controlling infections within LTC settings. Attendees will gain invaluable insights from industry experts and leave with actionable tools to enhance the safety and well-being of residents. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your infection prevention and control measures and ensure the highest standard of care in your facility.

Location

Iowa Health Care Association
1775 90th St.
West Des Moines, IA

Schedule

September 12, 2024

  8:30 a.m.        Registration/Check-In
  9:00 a.m.        Infection Control Principles and Common Infections in LTC
10:30 a.m.         Infection Prevention Internal Audits, Surveillance, and Educating Staff
12:00 p.m.         Lunch (Provided)
12:30 p.m.         Putting Evidence into Practice: Effective Tools to Mitigate the Spread of Infection
  2:15 p.m.          Everyone has a Role to Play in Infection Prevention
  3:30 p.m.         Adjourn

Topic Descriptions

Infection Control Principles and Common Infections in LTC
Speaker: Chris Barten, Nurse Clinician, Iowa Department of Public Health
  This session will provide a comprehensive overview of infection control principles tailored to the unique challenges faced in LTC environments. Participants will learn essential strategies to prevent and manage infections, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and staff. The session will also cover specific infections prevalent in LTC facilities, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and gastroenteritis, highlighting best practices for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Infection Prevention Internal Audits, Surveillance, and Educating Staff
Speaker: Lyndsey Lefkow, Director of Infection Control, Accura Healthcare of Iowa
  This session provides comprehensive guidance on conducting effective internal audits, establishing robust surveillance systems, and implementing ongoing staff education programs. Participants will learn how to identify potential infection risks, implement effective monitoring systems, and analyze data to improve infection prevention strategies. Additionally, the session will emphasize the importance of staff education, providing practical techniques for training and engaging staff in infection prevention protocols.

Putting Evidence into Practice: Effective Tools to Mitigate the Spread of Infection
Speaker: Mary Cantau, Medical Science Liaison, Medline
  With multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) on the rise, the fight against the spread of these pathogens is increasingly challenging. This session will discuss the practical application of various infection prevention strategies that can be operationalized at your facility.  The pillars of a robust infection prevention program will be addressed including decolonization, hand hygiene, antibiotic stewardship, proper PPE use, and the EVS collaborative partnership.

Everyone has a Role to Play in Infection Prevention
Speaker: Tina Conyers, Senior Quality Improvement Facilitator, Telligen
  This session will explore the vital roles played by healthcare professionals, administrative staff, residents, and their families in creating and maintaining a safe, healthy environment. Participants will learn about the latest infection control protocols, effective communication strategies, and the importance of teamwork in preventing outbreaks. Practical insights and real-world examples will illustrate how coordinated efforts can significantly reduce infection risks, improve resident outcomes, and enhance overall quality of care.

Continuing Education Credit

This conference meets the State of Iowa’s dementia specific criteria for 5.50 contact hours for the following disciplines:    

• CNAs/Healthcare Assistants
• Nurses (IBON Provider #166)
• Department Heads
• F. Administrators
• Assisted Living Managers

Registration Fees

Members:            $140 per person
Non-Members:  $420 per person

Speaker Bios

Chris Barten RN, BSN, is a Healthcare Associated Infections Regional Nurse Clinician for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.  Prior to his job at IDHH, Chris worked as an Infection Prevention and Control Officer at the Iowa Veterans Home for 17 years.  He has been an APIC member since 2004. In July 2015 to December 2023, he was the Iowa District E APIC Consultant. He has provided presentations for Central Iowa APIC, IADONA, INA, IHCA, Iowa Department of Public Health, Department of Inspections and Appeal, other healthcare organizations, local businesses, churches, and schools regarding infection control and prevention, influenza, hand hygiene, and scabies. 

Mary Cantu BS RN is a Medical Science Liaison for Medline Industries, Inc. Mary is a seasoned veteran of the medical industry with more the 20 years spent in multispecialty surgery and procedural nursing and education.  Mary also has contributed an additional 20+ years in clinically consultative and education roles. Through-out her career, Mary’s interests focus on evidence-based best practices across a broad spectrum of clinical care specialties and patient populations.

Tina Conyers, CCC-SLP, is a dedicated Quality Improvement Facilitator with a decade of experience in both acute and long-term care settings. She is passionate about improving the quality of life for patients and creating positive changes in healthcare. Tina’s expertise in speech-language pathology and her commitment to excellence make her a key asset in driving healthcare quality initiatives. Her work focuses on developing and implementing strategies that enhance patient outcomes and overall care delivery, reflecting her deep dedication to fostering a better healthcare environment.

Lindsey Lefkow, LPN, Senior Director of Infection Control & Quality Assurance for Accura Healthcare of Iowa. Lindsey began her journey serving the aging population of Iowa in 2005. Over more than 15 years, Lindsey has served in multiple long-term care nursing management roles. Most recently, Lindsey was named Senior Director of Infection Control & Quality Assurance at Accura HealthCare. Lindsey was an integral part of the COVID-19 pandemic response within all Accura locations; providing vital protective measures and processes to safeguard our most vulnerable generation as well as the nursing staff that were providing the specialized care.  Lindsey has devoted her time and energy to providing essential infection prevention education to all staff members. Additionally, she has developed numerous protocols and processes to help ensure safety for all residents and staff.

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