VCH wins HEABC award for infection control project

An innovative VCH online infection control education module has won an award from the Health Employers Association of BC.

On behalf of the infection control team that developed the module, Dr. Annalee Yassi accepted the Excellence in BC Healthcare Award of Merit at a HEABC awards luncheon in Vancouver this week.

The team, made up of representatives from UBC, Provincial Health Services Authority, Provincial Infection Control Network and VCH, developed an easily accessible learning tool with standardized infection control information for health care professionals.

Contacted after the awards ceremony Dr. Yassi said, “The module contributes to a sustainable safety climate and promotes healthy infection control practices among staff and patients.” She noted, "the development process was a collaborative solution to an important issue and a wonderful example of good team practice.”

What's in the module?

Funded by a grant from the Canadian Institute of Health Research, the module consists of:

• Basic infection control content
• Video clips describing appropriate selection and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Safe sharps management and waste disposal
• Isolation categories
• Information on antibiotic-resistant organisms

Learning is self-paced and the modular format allows learners to enter, exit and repeat any part.

The module's development included measurement components. Pre and post-test results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in post-test scores (pre-average = 18.2, post average = 21.8 p<0.01). And users rated the online module high for ease of use, learner engagement, and content delivery (average of 4.2 out of 5).

The module is sponsored, endorsed, or promoted by a number of organizations including:

• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Health Services Placement Network
• UBC Dean's Office for Undergraduate Education
• UBC Continuing Professional Development committee
• Medical Residency committee
• College of Registered Nurses of BC
• Health Authority Medical Advisory committee
• Notably, the Canadian Council of Health Services Accreditation (Accreditation Canada) cited the course as a "leading practice" (2006)

In addition to VCH, the module is also in use at Fraser Health Authority and Children's and Women's Hospital; ultimately the module will be offered free-of-charge across the province.