Q:
Our facility tracks infection control in the computer, is it necessary to keep a facility map with locations of infections?
A:
While infection control software can provide valuable data visualization tools, maintaining an updated facility map is still essential. A facility map serves as a visual aid to help the QAPI team quickly identify infection trends by location. Infection data tracking should go beyond reportable outbreaks to include patterns such as multiple urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a specific wing or unit. Recognizing these trends allows for targeted corrective actions—for example, staff education on peri-care and hand hygiene in areas experiencing increased UTIs. Using a facility map alongside other tracking tools enhances infection prevention efforts and supports proactive interventions.
Written by:
Candace Lord, LPN, RAC-CT
Clinical Consultant
Proactive LTC Consulting
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