Using Health Conferences To Make Infection Prevention Connections
The South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) values developing professionals and participates in health care professional conferences across the state to share and gain health care expertise. Facilities interested in improving infection prevention and control practices can connect with the Project Firstline (PFL) team at multiple conferences this spring.
Rebecca Sime, RN, program manager for SDFMC and PFL project lead, will be in attendance, “These events are critical networking opportunities to interact with like-minded professionals and industry experts. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, a conference can propel you forward.”
The first PFL booth sighting will be on April 10-11, 2024, at the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference in Mitchell, SD.
Friendly competition will be used to promote health care careers to the HOSA chapters during the State Leadership Conference, April 11-12, in Sioux Falls, SD. Students will face off in a personal protective equipment relay and find the answers to the PFL Scavenger Hunt. This interactive exercise can be used by health care facilities as a basic infection and control training tool.
The South Dakota Health Care Association (SDHCA) Annual Spring Institute on April 16-18, 2024, will be hosted in Sioux Fall, SD, with the theme “United in Caring.” The SDFMC team of Jess Danko, MS, RRT, LTC-CIP, Cheri Fast, BSN, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP, WOCN, and Rebecca Sime, RN, will speak on how to make your infection control program the star of the show. The presentation will highlight topics such as cleaning and disinfection, antibiotic stewardship, respiratory care, and more. We will walk through the CDC ICAR modules and share how to implement these within a facility.
Community health workers (CHWs) are part of the frontline public health workforce who benefit from the PFL infection prevention training and resources. Information on infection control best practices will be shared by Rebecca Sime as part of the CHWSD 2024 Annual Conference being hosted May 21-22, 2024.
“Attending conferences gives SD PFL a chance to connect with professions, increase awareness of what we do, and how we can help you in your infection prevention practices,” Sime added.
Anyone interested in infection prevention and control can access training and resources at https://sdprojectfirstline.org or by completing the PFL Contact Form.