Current Projects
Antiobiotic Resistant Organisms (ARO)
PICNet's guidelines for the management of Antibiotic Resistant Organisms were first developed in 2008. All practice guidelines developed by PICNet are reviewed every three years to ensure that they are up-to-date and reflect current best practices. PICNet's community of practice has been surveyed to explore emerging issues and these issues have been used to develop key questions that will focus the literature search for recent evidence. A review group has been struck that will aid in the review of the literature and updating the guidelines. The guidelines revision process is expected to be completed by summer 2012.
Infection Control Resource Team
Outbreaks of healthcare associated infections (HAI) occur in many settings in BC. These outbreaks occur despite the diligent efforts of on-site infection control teams and are sometimes difficult to control. At these times it may be useful to call upon expert resources from outside the facility to provide a different perspective, identify issues that may have been overlooked or implement interventions that may not have been tried. PICNet is able act a facilitator for these infection control resource teams should a healthcare facility approach us looking for outside help with controlling an outbreak. A working group has been struck that is exploring how this resource can be made available for BC.
Multi-Use of Injectables
The growing concern over the past few years about nosocomial infection prevention highlights the importance of patient safety for healthcare institutions. In early 2011, at the request of the Ministry of Health, Provincial Infection Control Net (PICNet) undertook a review of current evidence and practice for the multi-use of contrast media for computed tomography. The recommendations following that review were endorsed by the Health Operations Committee and Health Authorities were requested to review and recommend changes to practice where necessary.
Following the endorsement of the recommendations, the Ministry requested that PICNet undertake a further review of the multi-use of contrast in percutaneous cardiac intervention (PCI) procedures taking place in angiography suites within BC hospitals. Specifically, PICNet has been asked to review the infection control and human factors implication of power injectors used for multi-use contrast administration during these procedures.