Inclusive Infection Prevention: Protecting People with Cognitive and Physical Disabilities

Session Description: Across the nation, there are over 70 million people who live with disabilities. Infection prevention for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities requires tailored interventions to address their unique needs. In this session, we will discuss infection prevention challenges in these specific populations, and in those who are immunosuppressed and disabled. We offer practical solutions based on case studies, real-world experiences, and evidence-based guidance for all infection preventionists.

We will detail infection prevention gaps in care for people with disabilities. In order to prevent infections from occurring in the first place, infection preventionists can deploy patient safety techniques for communicating with individuals who have cognitive delays, and these include recognizing verbal and nonverbal cues, providing information in large font, and deploying plain language as well as teach back. For those with physical disabilities, we present concepts from human factors engineering to adapt the home and hospital environments in ways which are more accessible. Moreover, in those who are immunosuppressed and disabled, we discuss special circumstances of food safety, vaccinations, and antibiotic prophylaxis.

We propose a collaborative, multidisciplinary bundled intervention for improving knowledge of infection prevention in facilities that care for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. This strategy aims to include staff training on specific needs, adapting protocols in these populations, and engaging teams in person-centered practices that account for cognitive and physical limitations. By the end of this session, infection preventionists will have the knowledge, skills, and strategies to help with these vulnerable populations.

Cindy Hou

Infection Control Officer, Jefferson Health - New Jersey

Dr. Hou is the Infection Control Officer and Medical Director of Research for Jefferson Health - New Jersey (JNJ) and an Infectious Diseases specialist. She is dually board-certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases. Dr. Hou has expertise in sepsis, antibiotic stewardship, quality improvement, patient safety, language access, and infection control. In addition, Dr. Hou is the Chief Medical Officer of the Sepsis Alliance and a member of its Board of Directors. Dr. Hou earned an M.B.A. and M.A. from Boston University, a D.O. from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, and B.S. from Yale University. She has a Certification in Infection Prevention and Control and is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality. Dr. Hou is a Fellow for the American College of Osteopathic Internists, American College of Physicians, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Association of Professionals in Infection Control.

Mary Miller

Clinical Nurse Educator-Infection Prevention, Jefferson Health- New Jersey

Biography: Mary E. Miller, BSN, RN, CIC Mary Miller has eighteen years of experience in Infection Prevention, which includes long-term acute care and acute care. She recently accepted the position of Clinical Nurse Educator for Infection Prevention for Jefferson Health East (JHE)), which encompasses three hospitals. Partnering with the Director of Clinical Practice for JHE, Mary has educated a Clinical Safety Initiative (CSI) Team comprised of front-line nurses. The newly formed team will be tasked with hospital-wide point prevalence audits on devices monthly and promoting infection prevention. She is a member of the Southern New Jersey APIC Chapter. Mary has had numerous poster presentations accepted at APIC National Conventions, including “Breaking the Cycle of Glucometer Contamination: Changing Gloves between Fingerstick and Cleaning/Disinfecting”. Mary received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has been certified in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) since 2009.

Kellie Rusin

Infection Preventionist, Children's Hospital Colorado

Kellie has been a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) since 2011. For the past 13 years she has worked at Children’s Hospital Colorado, the only dedicated Level 1 trauma center in a seven-state region. Kellie has served at the local chapter and national level. Local chapter engagement includes Treasurer and Election Committee of the Mille High APIC chapter. Nationally she is currently serving a three-year term as a member of the Annual Conference Committee. Kellie received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Mesa University and her Master of Public Health degree with a focus on Epidemiology from the University of Colorado Denver. In addition to being certified in Infection Prevention, she maintains a certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist through the American Society for Clinical Pathology.