Who Dunnit? An Infection Preventionist's Role as Instrument Staining Sleuth

Session Description: Mysterious surgical instrument staining has been reported, and you, an Infection Preventionist (IP), are consulted to launch a critical investigation. This interactive presentation will guide participants through the multidisciplinary process needed to solve this perplexing issue, emphasizing the Infection Preventionist's pivotal role in ensuring accountability and advocating for patient safety. Utilizing tools such as text response word clouds, polls, and collaborative whiteboarding, participants will contribute their ideas to the investigation.

The investigation begins with understanding how to recognize instrument staining and the effects on outcomes. To solve our mystery, we will assemble a multidisciplinary team of key stakeholders to identify possible contributing factors. By delving into the details of water and steam evaluation, equipment care and maintenance, and sterile processing procedures the offenders will be rooted out. While some or all may be co-conspirators, we will work through barriers for gap closure and sustainable improvement.

Practical investigative and documentation tools that can be utilized by any Infection Preventionist will be shared, including water and steam quality assessment, an equipment care and maintenance spreadsheet and strategies for conducting effective sterile processing infection prevention audits. Furthermore, we will demonstrate how an SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Request) can be successfully employed in advocating for specific improvements by creating one together.

Jennifer Gustafson

Infection Prevention Manager, Community Health Network

Jennifer Gustafson is the sole Infection Prevention Manager for a rural acute care hospital within a large healthcare network, leveraging over 30 years of nursing experience, spanning areas such as surgery, critical care, and dialysis. Her journey into infection prevention began in 2018, in an ambulatory surgery setting. This extensive clinical background provides a practical perspective on diverse care environments, and the systemic challenges in maintaining patient safety. Jennifer specializes in translating infection prevention principles into actionable, data-driven strategies that resonate across all levels of care. She is skilled in developing and delivering dynamic and interactive educational programs. Her passion lies in empowering healthcare professionals to connect daily infection prevention practices directly to measurable improvements in patient outcomes, fostering a culture of safety within her organization. Jennifer has a BSN from Purdue University, is a member of APIC and the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.

Patricia Willeman

Director of Quality, St. Croix Health

Patty Willeman serves as the Director of Quality at St. Croix Health, an independent Critical Access Hospital in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. She brings over a decade of experience in infection prevention and healthcare quality. In her role, Patty oversees key functions including quality services, infection control, risk management, regulatory compliance and accreditation, employee health, and emergency preparedness. She is passionate about driving a culture of quality, patient safety, and excellence in care. Patty is also committed to continuous professional growth and the integration of best practices in healthcare quality and safety.