Recommendations for Infection Prevention and Control in Outpatient Physical Therapy

Presenter(s)

Daniel See, Michael Raddick, Abby Langley , Rogerio Rodrigues , Caitlin Crews-Stowe, David Levine

Abstract or Description

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continue to be a major cause of concern for outpatient (OP) health care settings causing emotional, financial, and medical consequences for both patients and healthcare providers. Infection Prevention (IP) has only one standard in physical therapy school curriculum, and with half of all physical therapists working in OP settings there is an urgent need for education in OP clinicians.

Specific aim:  The purpose of this research is to provide needed guidelines for OP practice so that physical therapists minimize spread of HAIs through knowledgeable and risk-reducing practices. 

Methods: The information in this study contains recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the American Physical Therapy Association guidelines, previously established IP practices, and published works focused on prevention of HAI spread in OP settings. Topics such as standard and transmission based precautions, environmental disinfection, hand hygiene, and considerations for COVID-19 are compiled in a brief but descriptive way meant as education and reference material for OP clinicians.

Conclusion: With increased clinician exposure to IP education, there will be a greater emphasis on strategies to reduce outbreaks of HAIs in the OP setting. 

Mentor

Dr. David Levine