COVID-19 Specimen Collection – A Win-Win? Everyone is talking about avoiding being tested for COVID-19 due to the technique used to obtain the specimen. True, it is not the most pleasant experience, but the good news is there may be an alternative to the nasopharyngeal swab! On June 3, 2020, the New England Journal of Medicine reported a study on …
In a study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (JASA) on June 30, 2020, they discussed different types of masks and their effectiveness at preventing droplet spread. It was noted that although masks may help mitigate the risk of spreading infection via respiratory droplets, there are no specific guidelines on mask materials and designs. The study …
COVID-19 is a novel disease, predicting the rehabilitation needs for residents in recovery are based on evidence from the general critical care population. Based on this evidence, it is expected that acute interventions for the management of residents with severe and critical COVID-19, including mechanical ventilation, sedation and/or prolonged bed rest may result in a range of impairments including but …
As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved these past few months, there is still discussion over who is considered ‘essential’ and who is ‘not’ in long term care facilities. Our previously posted blog outlined things to keep in mind if you determine some rehabilitation staff are essential, and we have created an infographic to highlight the most important notes. Please check …
On July 15, 2020, the CDC announced a change to the Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for HealthCare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Eye protection is an important part of PPE in preventing unnecessary exposure. As with any point of entry into the body (i.e., nose, mouth, broken skin, etc.) the eyes are considered high risk …
On November 28, 2019, CMS implemented the role “Infection preventionist” for long term care facilities as defined in F882. This term is used for the person(s) designated by the facility to be responsible for the infection prevention and control program and requires specific, individual, detailed training, qualifications, and hourly requirements as described below: The Infection Preventionist (IP) must have primary …
Yes, this truly is a “non-COVID-19” blog! It has been a long time since we posted something like this and we are truly excited to do so! We have all taken care of residents with uncontrolled, type II diabetes, right? We adjust the oral medications unsuccessfully for as long as we can and then the physician writes orders for insulin. …
Recently OSHA posted revised enforcement for recording cases of COVID-19. Effective May 26, 2020, this time-limited guidance will be in place for the current COVID-19 public health crisis. Under OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements, COVID-19 is a recordable illness. Employers are responsible for recording cases of COVID-19 if the case: Is confirmed as defined by the CDC; Is work-related; and Involves one …
Strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are especially challenging to implement in dedicated memory care units where numerous residents with cognitive impairment reside together. For example, residents can have a difficult time following recommended infection prevention practices such as social distancing, washing their hands, avoiding touching their face, and wearing a cloth face covering for source control. Changes to …
Cannot Be Used to Determine if Employees Can Return to Work On June 17, 2020 the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) released information regarding an employer requiring antibody testing before allowing employees to re-enter the workplace. The EEOC said that “an antibody test constitutes a medical exam under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and explained that in light of …
