The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) announced that the organization will be leading Outbreak Prevention and Response Week from September 16-20, 2019. During the week, SHEA and its partners will share resources with healthcare professionals, the infection prevention community, and patients and families on ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Disease outbreaks in healthcare settings put both patients and providers at risk. Outbreaks can range from difficult-to-treat infections, like MRSA, Clostridium difficile, the flu, or carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), to deadly viruses like Ebola or SARS. However, no matter the size or type of outbreak, patients are at risk; and highly coordinated efforts and specialized expertise are required when any unusual pattern of illnesses is identified.
During the week, SHEA and its partners will tap into the expertise of the healthcare epidemiologist and other healthcare professionals in outbreak prevention and response, to lead discussions and share tips and information on five themes – one for each day of the week.
· MONDAY, September 16, Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections
· TUESDAY, September 17, Preparedness - Outbreak Response and Incident Management
· WEDNESDAY, September 18, Partnerships: Public Health and Community Response
· THURSDAY, September 19, Antibiotic Stewardship and Risks of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms
· FRIDAY, September 20, Sustainability: Research & Funding
Activities for each day of the week will be added as they are confirmed. If you represent an organization that would like to become a partner of Outbreak Prevention and Response Week, please contact Kristy Weinshel at [email protected].
