Infection Prevention

Types of Infections

• MRSA
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics.
• Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Healthcare Personnel
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that healthcare workers receive flu vaccination every year.
• CAUTI
  • A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the most common infections a person can contract in the hospital, Indwelling urinary catheters are the cause of this infection.
• CLABSI
  • A central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a serious infection that occurs when germs (usually bacteria or viruses) enter the bloodstream through the central line.

Daniel Boken, MD, Director of Infection Prevention

"Since the summer of 2003, I have been privileged to work closely with some of the valley’s most skilled and experienced Infection Preventionists right here at KDMC. This team has produced award winning results and more importantly has thwarted potential outbreaks by prompt and appropriate action. Although not all health care associated infections can be prevented, we start each day trying to do just that. From appropriate peri operative antibiotics to optimizing central line placement and use and including nurse driven urinary catheter removal programs and one of the Valley’s first antibiotic stewardship programs, the KDMC team continues to strive for practices and outcomes we and our neighbors and patients can be proud of. Our team is frequently given accolades by hospital accreditation teams for our strong work. Many of our long standing policies and practices are being adopted at leading US Hospitals and Medical Centers. Patients and relatives should be assured that the KDMC IP team accepts nothing less than the lowest risk setting as someday we too may be patients in our own hospital."

DUDE (Hospital Staff Hand Hygiene Awareness Program)

D.U.D.E is a Kaweah employee and physician program which reinforces, educates and creates awareness of infection prevention best practices, such as hand hygiene and equipment cleaning. D.U.D.E stands for Do U Disinfect Every time, and it serves as a friendly reminder to each other on these practices. This is an important piece of our strong infection prevention program and helps to keep our patient safe from infection.