RCN Wipe it out

Wipe it out was launched in 2005 to support RCN members' contributions in reducing health care associated infections (HCAIs) particularly MRSA, and to act as a focal point for political lobbying on related issues. 

Objectives

  1. To secure agreement from key stakeholders for the project proposal both internally and externally to the RCN
  2. To ensure UK-wide participation and engagement in the project
  3. To engage members and develop the RCN infection prevention network
  4. To strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in HCAI from around the UK and the wider European perspective
  5. To produce clearly focused innovative work that will contribute to the role of nurses in reducing HCAIs.

Activity will include a series of events, focus groups, guidance development and further development of the web resource and infection prevention network.

Update on Wipe it out

This current stage of Wipe it out is taking us beyond the production of guidance to an interactive phase which focuses on identifying priorities for 2010-11. This summary provides a snap shot of current work underway as part of the campaign.

This update below provides information on ‘Wipe it Out’ activity on infection prevention issues for the last six months (April to October 2010).

Launch of the RCN Infection Prevention and Control Network and web area

The launch of the RCN Infection Prevention and Control Network (IPC Network) and web area took place at RCN Congress in April and interest in this continues to grow. A further awareness raising promotion is planned in order to help support RCN members in this important practice area.

Glove Use Survey

Following on from a member survey, a project bid has been completed to support development of guidance for members on the use of gloves and associated occupational health issues. A research proposal is currently being developed to expand this work and inform future work in this area.

Events

A number of member events have been planned for 2010-11. The following have already occurred:

Forthcoming event:

European infection prevention event on 5 November. Further information can be found in the Forthcoming events section.

RCN guidance update

The RCN's Best practice in infection prevention and control guidance continues to be updated. Work has been slightly delayed due to the need to undertake indepth reviews of some elements of practice.

A publication on The selection and use of surface disinfectant wipes is almost complete and will be published in the New Year. This work has been undertaken with the help of Peter Hoffman, Clinical Scientist from the Health Protection Agency and has been widely reviewed by both members and other stakeholders.

Work is about to begin on The role of the nurse in reducing anti-microbial resistance. This resource is being undertaken in collaboration with the Hospital Infection Society (HIS).

Glove use guidance is being developed as noted above.

Updating of the RCN Waste guidance is currently being planned (refer to waste section below)

Research in to the role of director of infection prevention and control (DIPC) (England only)

The RCN Adviser for Infection Prevention and Control is working collaboratively with the Adviser for Nurses in Leadership and Management in investigating the role of executive nurses who hold the role of DIPC.

A survey of role holders has been undertaken via requests to strategic health authorities. This information is currently being reviewed and a research proposal developed for the next phase of work.

Strengthening European collaboration and partnerships with the wider international community

TRICE Project

The TRICE (TRaining in Infection Control in Europe) project has now been completed. This collaborative nine-month project undertaken via the European network for Infection Control has involved undertaking a survey of the 27 EU member states in relation to the position of infection control training in Europe and the development of competencies for practitioners in infection control. Further information will be available once the project has been endorsed by ECDC. A publication is planned in the near future to summarise and highlight the work.

International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) 2010

This year the RCN, along with IPS and NRIC, has collaborated with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) based in the US to celebrate International Infection Prevention Week. This collaboration allows RCN members free access to a series of webinars on different aspects on infection prevention practice.

The theme of this years IIPW is ‘Infection control is everybody’s business’.  The RCN has taken this opportunity to use IIPW as an awareness-raising event to maintain the profile of infection prevention as a core element of patient safety in health care. In preparation for this week the following has been undertaken:

Link nurses

Following on from the two workshops held at the annual conference in May, an analysis of the emerging themes from discussion has been developed and will be consulted on at the European Conference on 5 November. 

Waste

The RCN has been working with WSP Group in order to contribute to a revision of the current national guidance on management of waste in healthcare (HTM 07-01). Initial collaboration centred around management of waste in the community as the RCN has received numerous enquires from members in relation to the carriage of waste by nurses in their cars following home visits. Subsequently, the RCN has worked closely with WSP to strengthen the risk assessment approach to waste segregation and management of waste streams in health care. A freedom of information request is currently underway to help gather information on current waste practices in the UK. This will help inform future RCN activity in this area. An update of the RCN waste management guidance is due to commence.