Sign up early for a unique opportunity to hear Dr. Gerberding address Bloodborne Pathogens and address your burning questions on this topic. The keynote address, delivered by John Eisenberg, Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality , also cited the IOM report, which lists medical errors as the fifth leading cause of death. According to the studies cited in this report, as many as 98,000 Americans lose their lives each year as a result of preventable medical errors. Dr. Eisenberg stated that infection control is part of the solution to this problem. This report emphasizes the need for non-punitive systems that would address patient safety without blaming or shaming the healthcare industry.
Performance measurement is an integral part of healthcare.
However, the basic concepts of epidemiology are not always considered when using indicators. Come learn the use of indicators as presented by Dr. Robert Gaynes of the CDC at an APIC 2000 session, Outcome Indicator Caveats , that will highlight areas of concern for indicator development and understanding. ICPs must be adept at selecting specific, yet pertinent indicators. Appropriate indicator selection can provide a foundation for an effective infection control program. Learn methods for developing indicators utilizing available data collection systems, reporting mechanisms, and evaluation of patient outcome considerations at the APIC 2000 session, Developing Meaningful Indicators .