Mrs. Sophie Waller
Biography:
33 years as a Registered Nurse, working across all areas including ICU, CSSD and Infection Control. Has a passion for being creative!
Abstract:
Problem
• Lack of recognition on the importance of nursing care and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, required to ensure that no harm comes to patients on their inpatient journey so that they can complete their admission as expected
• Lack of healthcare worker (HCW) insight into the key role they play to prevent healthcare associated infections (HCAI) and how this impacts the patient journey
• Challenges faced by IPC teams to get essential education to the bedside and influence change
What was done
A board game was created to show the patient journey from admission to discharge and what can happen to the patient depending on your actions or inactions. It covers all aspects of IPC, including aseptic technique, hand hygiene, food services, and inadequate environmental cleaning. The winner is who is discharged first.
Results
The game was played in clinical departments with four to five players, with observers. HCW were engaged, had fun, were frustrated with the delays to discharge, and at times shocked when they died of sepsis, all while receiving Infection control messages/ education.
The HCWs gained a new understanding of the complications that can delay patients discharge and result in preventable HCAI contributing to increased morbidity and mortality.
Conclusions & lessons learnt
• The simulated experience assists with understanding how the HCW’s IPC measures or lack of can affect patient outcomes
• Gained insight from the patient’s point of view
• Engaged HCW IPC education messaging.