Infection Control

    Every year, lives are lost because of the spread of infections in hospitals. Health care workers can take steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These steps are part of infection control.  Of the many ways to prevent infection, the most commonly stressed is hand washing.  This is also the most practiced form of infection control  as it is a vigorously set standard by the CDC.  There are multiple ways to practice hand sanitation, one for example is the use of an alcohol based hand rub as a disinfectant.  The proper process is to apply to one hand and vigorously rub both hands together until dry.  The second of course, is washing your hands using soap and water.  This process is properly executed by wetting your hands with cold water, applying soap, and vigorously scrubbing hands with the antibacterial soap for fifteen seconds.  Next, rinse your hands and dry them with a paper towel, you will then use the paper towel to turn off the faucet.  Hand sanitation is always necessary before touching a patient, exiting the care area after touching the patient or potentially contaminated materials, after touching any form of bodily fluid, before performing an aseptic task (ie. injection), and after glove removal.      A second form of infection control is through the use of Personal Protection Equipment, otherwise known as PPE.  PPE takes many shapes and forms, consisting of gloves, gowns, goggles, surgical masks, face masks, gas masks, hazmat suits, face shields, and respirators.  All PPE have at least one similarity, and that is the standards set by the CDC.  All PPE must be fit to the user, and the proper PPE must be used for certain procedures.  Personal Protection Equipment requires a specialized procedure to both put on and remove.  To equip PPE, the equipment must be new, or disinfected if it is a reusable material.  Hand hygiene as previously discussed must occur before donning PPE, then the user may equip his or her gown, next face protection device, and lastly gloves.  For PPE removal, simply reverse the process, removing the gloves first without touching the potentially infected outside portion.
    Another and more than likely most important infection control precaution, is the identification process of those with potential respiratory infections.  A very common form of disease outbreak, is through respiratory excretion of an infection (ie. coughing, sneezing, etc.)  Through pathogenesis (entering through the distal airway via inhalation), common infections such as Influenza, Bronchitis, Bronchiolitis, and Pneumonia can be very easily spread without taking proper infection control measures.  With proper safety measures, infection can easily be subsided to a minimal amount.  One of the most common procedures taken, is the use of respiratory hygiene (ie. cough and sneeze etiquette.)  Another important form of infection control is training staff as to how to remain alert with identifying people with potential respiratory infections (irregular breathing, coughing, sneezing, and hacking.)  Finally, respiratory infection spreading can be slowed simply by using the supplies available in practically every medical facility.  These consist of face masks, tissues, alcohol based hand rubs, and no-touch waste receptacles for disposal of potentially contaminated materials.
    Through necessary and implemented protocol, infection control can be efficiently and successfully used to keep medical facilities, staff, and patients safe.  MedTrainer offers many courses pertaining to Infection control ranging from Airborne and Droplet disease Transmission to Hand Hygiene.  Keep your medical facility and staff safe, and ensure that your patients are taken care of with the use of MedTrainer, an online compliance system that is effective, inexpensive, and used worldwide as a way to keep the medical field safe and reliable.
  Sign up for your free demo today at:     http://lms.medtrainer.com/

Ergonomics and Injury

A Musculoskeletal Disorder otherwise known as an MSD, is a condition in which muscles, nerves, and tendons are affected negatively.  MSD's of the neck, upper extremities, and lower back, are the number one causes of a lost workday injury and illness.  There are over one-hundred different Musculoskeletal Disorders affecting anywhere from tendons, to ligaments, to muscles all throughout the body.  An MSD can easily be caused by lifting too heavy of items, pushing/ pulling heavy loads, bending, and reaching overhead.  These are known as risk factors, all of which cause disorders.  However, an MSD doesn't have to happen in an instant, in fact they most commonly occur over a large period of time in which the body is operating in an awkward posture.  Ultimately, analysis shows that the main cause of MSD's in the workplace, is the repetition of processes in which the body is improperly fitted.

    The study of fitting the workplace to the employee, is known as ergonomics.  Ergonomics assists in finding ways to properly and safely function in the workplace, while lowering the susceptibility to MSD's.  When practiced correctly, studies have shown that ergonomics will increase productivity, lessen muscle fatigue, and, lower the number as well as the severity of work related MSD's.  The industries with the highest rates of Musculoskeletal Disorders, are health care, transportation, and warehousing. MSD's can lead to a permanent annoyance in an employees life causing displeasure, discomfort, and a decrease in productivity.  Common MSD's consist of Carpal Tunnel syndrome (CTS), Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).  These are commonly caused by immense physical overexertion such as lifting too heavy of an object, or an object that may not be too heavy, but is lifted too many times.  RA is a rather aggressive degenerative MSD due to the fact that 40% of people with RA retract from the workforce within 5 years of their diagnosis because of their condition  It is the duty of the employees to be aware of when they are damaging themselves, and when to take a break to alleviate any encumbrance they may have attained.  With proper practice of ergonomics, the number of people affected by MSD's can be greatly reduced, productivity will increase, and employees will be able to confidently work without worry of injury.

    The first step in solving MSD's, is addressing what is causing the problem.  This can be tackled simply by creating a strong commitment by management, to enforce and uphold proper ergonomic processes.  Another way to manage MSD influence on the workplace, is to provide training.  Providing an educational format to understand the danger of ergonomic malpractice, can inform employees as to how to identify potential causes to MSD's, and stress the importance of reporting any early signs of a disorder.  A good ergonomics training program will teach employees how to properly use equipment, tools, and machine controls as well as the correct way to perform job tasks.  Such as work methods that allow workers to keep their joints in a neutral position while using tools requiring manual force to prevent excessive force on joints and tendons.  Employers should also encourage employees to avoid forms of side-to-side twisting, and to refrain from making any quick motions with their wrists.  MSD management is another important element of an effective ergonomics program. Proper MSD management focuses on early identification and evaluation of signs and symptoms of MSD's and helps eliminate or reduce the risk of developing MSD's.  With compliance from both the employers, employees, and trainers,  MSD's can be removed from the workplace all together.  Ensure that you meet the compliance standard, and help increase the longevity of your role in the workforce with MedTrainer.  MedTrainer offers an in depth analysis and lesson as to how to remain safe and compliant in the workplace.  http://medtrainer.com/

Hazardous communication and Safety Data Sheets

    Since December 1st, 2013, all employees have been required to be trained on Safety Data Sheets in the workplace by their employer. An SDS is a precautionary standard in order to avoid injury, and to educate employees on potentially harmful chemicals in the workplace.  It is also an important component of product stewardship as well as occupational safety and health.  SDS's are a commonly used system for cataloging chemicals, chemical compounds, and chemical mixtures.  More often than not, these forms will include physical data of the substance (ie. Melting point, boiling point, etc.). The SDS is widely used to describe toxicity, health effects, how to store said substance, and spill handling procedures.  As a safety measure for employees, each and every SDS contains first aid information, as to how to clean and or disinfect an employee contaminated with said substance.  Certain chemicals have different levels of reactivity, meaning that they require specific types of handling.  SDS's have been implemented to prevent chemical activation of which can injure employees, and cause a business to shut down due to lack of safety protocol being followed.  All of this is to ensure that the handling and working with that substance is in a safe and condoned manner that abides to all governmental regulations and requirements.    

      The new HazCom standards implemented by OSHA, require an in depth hazard classification, descriptive clear labels, a sixteen section format for all SDS's, and of course the informing and training of all employees.  All classifications now consist of specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.  All chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictograph, as well as a hazard statement for each hazard class and category.  Violation will ensue if these labels are damaged in the slightest, for they are required to be easy to read and understand.  Precautionary statements must also be provided about any and all hazardous ingredients contained in a substance.  If any new hazards are identified by the employer after the date of December 1st 2015, it is the job of the employer to inform and educate all employees within six months of said discovery.  The latest legal date to inform all employees by is June 1st, 2016.  However, if the employer is making a reasonable effort to comply, but has yet to received the new SDS's, then said legal end date may be extended.

    When it comes to accessing SDS's, it is within the standard of compliance to keep all files in an "online binder."  However, all files must be obtainable in a backup location in the event of a power outage or in the case of inaccessibility, as well as offsite locations.  In order to be fully and legally compliant, employers must learn the standards as well as the ability to identify responsible staff members that properly follow guidelines.  The employer must also provide and implement a written Hazard Communication Program (HazCom) which informs all employees about a potential hazard.  Other employer duties consist of updating his/her employees with important information regarding SDS Maintenance.  Lastly the employer must constantly undergo re-evaluation and reassessment of his or her program.  This will guarantee compliance with national requirements, and keep your workplace a safe and functioning area of employment as well as care.  Ensure that you follow all protocols with the many online certification courses offered by MedTrainer. http://medtrainer.com​

Identity Theft Prevention in Healthcare Tips

With just 1 month left in 2015, healthcare has already seen an astronomical 109 million records breached. That accounts for just a little over 78% percent of the total number of records breached in all sectors of the US economy this year. When you consider that the leading cause of breaches in healthcare this year is due to cyber-crime. In 2014, there were approximately 2.32 million victims of medical identity theft in the US. That is an increase of almost 50 percent over the previous year. Sadly, it is not always cyber-crime that leads to medical identity theft. Employees of healthcare organizations have access to thousands, if not millions of patient records every day. There have been two high profile cases in the news within just the last few months.

In June of this year, local authorities, and Montefiore Medical Center in Manhattan conducted an investigation that uncovered an identity theft ring that included an employee of the medical center. The employee was charged with identity theft, and it is believed that she sold as many as 12,000 patient records between 2012 and 2013. In July, local authorities in Jackson, Mississippi notified Merit Health Northwest Mississippi that one of their employees was potentially involved in identity theft, and was currently under investigation. It is believed that between February of 2012 and June of 2015 this employee accessed the records of at least 810 patients for the purpose of identity theft. The investigation is still ongoing.

What can you as a front line employee do to help protect patient information against loss due to theft? The first step is to understand your access to patient information, and its intended use. Employees of any medical or dental practice are bound by law to access patient information for the purpose of treatment, payment and healthcare operations only. That means you access records when you are involved in the treatment of a patient, or involved in filing claims or collecting payments. In addition to direct patient care, there are healthcare operations that may require access to patient records, such as quality assessments, employee evaluations, legal and medical reviews and employee access monitoring to ensure it is appropriate.

Next, know your environment. If you see something suspicious, or you believe someone else is using or accessing patient information inappropriately, you have an obligation to report such activity. Breaches in general have an enormous detrimental effect on the entity. Those related to insider activity are even worse, further eroding the trust of the patient-consumer. Already 68% of the population does not believe that the healthcare sector does enough to protect their information. The estimated financial cost to the organization for breached records is around $200. However, the cost of a damaged reputation is a very real concern for any business in the US, and healthcare is no exception. In the aftermath of a breach, the high cost of recovery affects not only the bottom line for an organization but the employees as well, through job loss for some and additional hiring and training for others.

Finally, report any suspicious activity from outside the organization. Have you ever been approached about patient information? Have you ever noticed someone wondering around the facility you work in that does not belong, or you don’t recognize? Social engineering is becoming a huge problem in healthcare. It is a non-technical method of intrusion hackers use that relies heavily on human interaction and often involves tricking people into breaking normal security procedures. Social engineers are pros at blending in to places they do not belong in order to attempt to gain unauthorized access to patient information. Lock unattended computers, secure mobile devices, and, if you see someone that you are not sure about, report it. It is better to be safe than sorry! 

Ask your administrator to assign you the Identity Theft Prevention course for more detailed training or if you are not a MedTrainer client email us at support@medtrainer.com for more information.

FAQ's: Transitioning from MSDS to SDS

OSHA understands that during the transition to GHS, things could get a little messy. That’s why, during the transition period, a company can be in compliance with old HCS, the new GHS system, or a combination of both. However, more importantly, at no time may an employer be out of compliance with both the old and the new.

We realize that all of this might seem challenging.  That’s why MedTrainer helps organizations comply with Hazardous Communication OSHA requirements in several ways:

• We offer access to the healthcare's largest library of updated SDSs, including SDSs in the GHS format.
• We search the marketplace for the most recent SDSs, and upload approximately thousands of new or revised safety data sheets into our system each week. We also give users the ability to upload their own SDSs or request that we retrieve a needed SDS.
• We flag safety data sheets in our system that are in the GHS format and make it easy to search, track and manage your SDSs across your organization.
• We provide on-line training on Hazardous Communication and a variety of OSHA compliance related topics.

Wherever you are in your company’s transition toward GHS, the time to get started is now. Download our quick guide to Frequently Asked Questions from transitioning to MSDS to SDS here. 

Proper Hand Hygiene in Medical Clinics

Proper hand hygiene is the single most important factor in preventing nosocomial infections (infections that occur within the healthcare setting).  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it best when they called hand washing the do-it-yourself vaccine. Proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to reduce disease transmission. It is always a good idea to review the basic principles of handwashing from time to time. Since flu season is underway, now is a great time to review!

The CDC offers 5 simple steps for effective handwashing:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dryer. Unless you have a hands-free system, remember to use the towel to turn off the water instead of bare hands.

The evidence base concerning the spread of Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI) continues to prove a link with the natural workflow of care. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified five essential moments when hand hygiene is required during health care delivery:

• Before touching a patient

• Before performing a cleaning or aseptic procedure

• After a body fluid exposure risk

• After touching a patient

• After touching patient surroundings

The guidelines are designed to be easy to learn, logical and applicable in a wide range of settings. To read more about the WHO recommendations, visit http://bit.ly/1LUU6FV.

Research has proven that hand hygiene is a challenge in all health care environments, yet it is the one thing which will consistently reduce the likelihood of spreading infection. Could saving a life could be as simple as washing your hands? Yes! Proper hand hygiene protects workers and patients alike. Visit the CDC promotional page for educational materials for patients and healthcare workers and statewide campaigns: http://1.usa.gov/1jBse2u. 

To get a more in-depth training on proper hand hygiene please ask your admin to assign the “Hand Hygiene” course within MedTrainer or if you are not a client yet feel free to email for more information at support@medtrainer.com. 

Work Place Violence Awareness

Workplace violence is a serious concern for everyone, no matter the type of business or the position held. In fact, workplace homicide continues to be the fourth leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States and the leading cause of death for women in the workplace.

What can be classified as workplace violence? According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), it is any act or threat of physical assault, harassment, intimidation, verbal abuse or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs in the workplace. Preparing ahead of time and arming yourself with knowledge will help you stay safe and mitigate threats. Consider how you would answer the following questions as you review safety measures in your work environment.

• Are name tags or ID cards required for workers to access your office? Do they omit personal information such as last name?
• Is a limited amount of cash kept on hand?
• Is the patient waiting area visible to workers?
•  Are waiting areas and work areas free from objects that could be used as weapons?
•  Is furniture in waiting areas and work areas arranged to prevent entrapment of workers?
• Are the facility corridors, rooms and parking lots well lit?
•  Do you have a means of emergency communication?
• Could someone hear a worker who calls for help?
• Are waiting times for patients kept short to reduce frustration?
• Can exit doors be opened only from the inside to prevent unauthorized access?
• Is your office in a high crime location?

 A violence prevention program must include management and employee participation. It is extremely important to be proactive before incidents occur. Report anything suspicious to your Safety Officer or management. Often times, our instincts are right! MedTrainer has an extensive workplace violence prevention course available and also you can track any workplace violence incidents within MedTrainer. To take a look at how MedTrainer can help you prevent workplace violence sign up for a FREE 14 day trial here.

This year, OSHA published updates to the 1996 and 2004 voluntary guidelines for preventing workplace violence for healthcare and social service workers. To learn more about violence prevention program strategies, visit http://1.usa.gov/1ARRqcg.

Training for Better Outcomes

Building a committed and motivated staff is a Better Outcome that most offices would like to achieve. Training staff is not an easy task to accomplish, with heavy patient loads and trying to keep on top of continuously changing regulations, it is almost impossible keep on track with traditional classroom or binder training. The benefits of online training fit well within the healthcare industry as staff can navigate freely and control the pace at which they move through a course and online c

ourses can be updated quickly to keep on top of changing regulations.

The Better Outcome of saving not only time but money is another top priority for many offices. As worker’s compensation premiums and costs in general increase, many offices are looking for areas to cut expenses. Traditional training costs employers almost $1000 a year per employee. Online training costs clinics less than $100 a year per employee. Not only can you cut direct expenses with Online Training by 90%, but as reported by the department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration that every $1 that is spent on safety training employers save $4-6 in work related accidents. This cuts costs of workers comps claims down significantly and allows offices delegate expenses elsewhere.

How MedTrainer Creates Better Outcomes

Measured Management

Measure success and manage users, locations, courses, transcriptions and more with ease.

Learning

Efficiently and effectively train staff as individuals or as a group using MedTrainer's learning platform. Create customized curriculums, courseware bundles, and have access to over 60 of our core courses for healthcare.

SDS Management

Manage SDS (Safety Data Sheets) by uploading your own or searching our database of millions of SDS sheets. Employers must ensure that the SDSs are readily accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals in their workplace. This may be done in many ways. For example, employers may keep the SDSs in a binder or on computers as long as the employees have immediate access to the information

Award Winning Service

Need help with something? We are by your side all the way! Contact us via email, chat, telephone or even good old snail mail with support questions or inquiries. We are open from 8AM to 6PM local time regardless of where you are in the United States.

Resources

Save time and money with access to our resource section which features thousands of documents and resources from regulatory bodies such as CMS, HHS, OSHA, the CDC and more!

Document Management

Effectivly create, edit, and manage safety plans, internal policies and incident reports. Increase safety for better employee retention and performance outcomes

• The National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), estimates the annual workers' compensation benefits paid for all compensable injuries and illnesses in 2009 at $58 billion.

To learn more about how MedTrainer can help you achieve better outcomes in your organization visit www.medtrainer.com.

First Impressions of Safety!

What safety impression does your office make on your patients, employees and an OSHA inspector? Your office appearance should send the message of a well-organized, efficient, safety centered practice. The next time you walk in the front door of your office, pretend you are patient, a potential new employee or  an OSHA inspector.  Ask yourself  the following questions:
 Is the waiting area clean and organized? 
Are the silk plants full of dust bunnies?
Are the real plants thriving or drooping? 
Is the carpet worn, frayed or dirty? 
How old are the magazines? 
Are the clinical areas cluttered with unused items? 
Are the counters free of clutter (so surface disinfection can easily occur?) 
Are sharps containers overfilled?
Is the sterilization area clean and well organized?

Perhaps you can see where this is going. There are some compliance basics that go along with the appearance and overall well-being of your physical location. Compliance standards apply to both employee safety and patient safety. Employee Safety standards are covered by OSHA standards. The following are some examples of safeguards which must be in place to ensure employees are provided a safe work environment.Training is essential in order for employees to understand safety measures in place in their work environment. 
Annual bloodborne pathogen training is required by law on an annual basis.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided by employers at no cost to the employee. Employers must also provide laundering of reusable PPE. 
Employees should not take contaminated PPE home for cleaning. MedTrainer's Courses go extensively into all these topics want more information about our courses visit www.medtrainer.com/courses.

New York's "Emergency Medical Services and Surprise Bills" Law

On April 1, 2015, the “Emergency Medical Services and Surprise Bills” Law went into effect throughout New York.  Healthcare providers will be obligated to provide patients with their plan affiliations prior to the provision of non-emergency services, and verbally at the time of the appointment.

The “Emergency Medical Services and Surprise Bills” law includes greater transparency of out-of-network (OON) charges and network participation, as well as broader availability of a patient’s right to go OON if the insurance plan’s existing network is insufficient and also safeguards against “surprise bills” from OON physicians. Below are some of the key provisions in the new law. This legislation will:

1. Impact billing a reimbursement for some out-of-network healthcare services
2. Require new disclosures from providers regarding their plan participation status
3. Add new rules for health plans regarding their plan participation status
4. Add new rules for health plans regarding networks and reimbursement for out-of-network services.

It is critical for providers and health plans to create an action plan to ensure compliance with the requirements of this law. MedTrainer now has a course available to help you understand how the new law will affect your organization. To view a sample of the course sign up for a Free Trial today!

www.medtrainer.com