Navigating the Frontlines: Innovative Infection Prevention Practices in Critical Access Hospitals

Session Description: Imagine walking into your Sterile Processing Department and finding black specks dispersed throughout, originating from an unknown source. Or the ultrasonic cleaner is out of commission, and there’s no three-compartment sink with sterile water available. Or discovering sudden spikes of moisture ridden reprocessed instruments. This presentation addresses the challenges and complexities of the sterile processing department and operating room management in a 25-bed critical access hospital in Alaska. We will discuss investigation of potential causes of sudden instrument damage in the facility, strategies to maintain sterility during equipment failures, and alternative cleaning methods when essential tools or resources are unavailable. It also outlines corrective and preventive measures to address contamination sources and uphold quality control.
This session addresses how to uphold sterile standards during equipment failures and quality concerns by utilizing available resources and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards, without making mechanical or structural modifications.
Emphasizing curiosity, communication, and trust-building, participants will learn practical approaches to restore sterile processing integrity and ensure patient safety. Through real-world experiences, the session highlights strategies employed to overcome logistical barriers and enhance surveillance methods, offering effective solutions tailored to the unique needs of critical access hospitals.
Intended for infection preventionists, sterile processing technicians, facilities, and healthcare professionals involved in infection control, the session provides applicable strategies for both new and experienced staff working in resource-limited settings. It encourages collaboration and ongoing dialogue to inspire excellence in infection prevention and equip participants to manage complex challenges in constrained environments.

Emily Frost

Infection Prevention, Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center

Emily Frost, MPH, CIC, LTC-CIP, HACP-IC has been an Infection Preventionist with over 4 years of experience. Currently located in Kodiak, AK at Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center, she is a solo infection preventionist working in an Acute Care Facility and Long-Term Care. Prior to her current role, she worked in data analytics and research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Emily graduated with a master’s in public health in epidemiology and is currently furthering her education. Since joining the Providence team in 2021, she thrives on the dynamic challenges, rounding with peers, and educating others on the uniqueness of a critical access hospital.

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.