GNYHA has completed the pilot sessions for the Infection Prevention Coach (IPC) Training Program—a new initiative to help hospitals improve infection prevention practices related to hand hygiene, health care worker immunizations, and environmental cleanliness. GNYHA developed the program with 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and the 1199 SEIU Training and Upgrading Funds (TUF).   

The pilot consisted of a two-day training session for prospective infection prevention coaches on Sept. 27-28, which was repeated on Oct. 4-5. More than 75 hospital personnel—including staff from environmental services and food service, nursing assistants, registered nurses, transporters, and managers—participated. The training used innovative strategies to promote teamwork, coaching skills, and knowledge about infection prevention, quality, and patient safety. Through the use of interactive case studies and role-playing, participants developed strategies to improve communication, redesign workflow, and work with employees who resist change.  According to the program evaluations, hospital executives and ancillary staff at the participating facilities have been very impressed with the program, particularly the enthusiasm and sense of empowerment staff demonstrate after completing the training.

By learning about the critical role that each person can play in decreasing hospital infections, coaches are encouraged to lead, support, mentor, and inform other members of the health care team about ways to improve hand hygiene, increase the number of employees who get a flu shot, and the importance of a clean environment. Hospital administrative staff are encouraged to continue to mentor the coaches, including engaging them in opportunities to educate other staff and provide ongoing monitoring of hospital infection rates. The IPC Program has been designed to allow for hospital forums, special projects, follow-up training, and education. GNYHA, 1199 SEIU, and the 1199 SEIU TUF are confident that this program has given the coaches the skills they need to improve the quality of care at hospitals and that this will translate to decreased infection rates. Because coaches move throughout the hospital, they can serve as advocates for the patient to ensure that all staff provide the best care possible. 

Each participating hospital was required to submit baseline data on hand-washing compliance, employee immunization rates, and hospital cleanliness. In January 2008, those data will be collected again by each hospital, analyzed, and shared at a conference where participating institutions will present their achievements. 

For additional information, contact Terri Straub or Julie Mathew, both at GNYHA.