Identify, Isolate, and Inform: Applying Joint Commission Standards for Special Pathogens

Session Description: The special pathogens that cause high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) often have limited therapeutic options and other medical countermeasures, are highly transmissible, and cause high morbidity and mortality. They require prompt identification and implementation of infection control activities, and rapid involvement of public health authorities. Hospital preparedness for the management of HCID patients is highly variable, and there are no mandatory requirements for implementation of training or competency assessment. In July of 2024, The Joint Commission updated standards to encourage preparedness for these threats throughout accredited facilities. Regardless of accreditation, creating a standardized approach, grounded in hierarchy of controls to address HCID preparedness will strengthen basic infection control protocols for all infectious threats and help to keep staff, visitors, and patients safe.
This presentation will address frontline facility HCID preparedness including didactic and hands on education. Attendees will gain understanding of the “Identify, Isolate, and Inform” framework that incorporates best practices of HCID patient management. The content and practical application methods will demonstrate ways to improve frontline facility preparedness and foster a culture of safety. Areas of focus will include screening procedures, cleaning and disinfection, personal protective equipment (PPE), donning and doffing techniques, and category A waste packaging. In addition, common barriers and challenges regarding special pathogen preparedness implementation will be addressed.
Knowledge sharing, building relationships, and collaboration are essential components for consistent processes among frontline facilities. Throughout the presentation, examples of knowledge sharing, and collaboration developed by subject matter experts in the form of workflows, checklists and other resources will be highlighted. It is imperative to maintain a state of preparedness for known or emerging special pathogens to ensure patient and healthcare worker safety.