"Nuts & Bolts 2" - A Guide to the Clinical Years Section 2: Vital Information for Clinical Clerkships Table of Contents Infection Control for Beginning Clinical Clerks A basic principle of infection control is that proper technique can minimize the spread of infection to both the patient and the provider. Infection control is an important aspect of every rotation and it is essential that you develop good habits early in your training. These good habits are not necessarily learned from observing residents. Please follow these simple procedures to protect yourself and your patients: • wash your hands before and after examining each patient. In the nursery, a more thorough scrub should be done at the beginning of the day; • wear gloves, a gown and protective eyewear for any anticipated contact with blood or bodily secretions; and • carefully observe any additional signs posted on a patient's room (or a unit, like the nursery) where special precautions need to be followed (e.g., respiratory, enteric isolation). UCSF Infection Control Policy for Healthcare Providers After careful analysis of the risks of transmitting bloodborne infections, including hepatitis B virus and HIV from infected workers to patients during the performance of invasive procedures or other patient care activities, the UCSF Medical Staff and Medical Center concluded that enforcing a high standard of infection control applicable to all healthcare personnel is the best strategy for protecting patients from accidental exposure. UCSF has determined that: (1) the risk posed by infected healthcare personnel who comply with mandated infection control policies and practice standards is minimal, and does not warrant exclusion from patient care activities; and (2) routine screening of healthcare personnel for the presence of bloodborne pathogens is not recommended. Statement of Policy A. Compliance with UCSF Infection Control Policy Healthcare workers who violate UCSF infection control policies will be subject to restriction of clinical privileges, work reassignments, or other appropriate actions. Such action will be determined on a case-by-case basis as deemed appropriate by the responsible department. B. Healthcare Personnel with Bloodborne Infections 1. Healthcare personnel who are fit for duty as affirmed by their treating physician may continue regular patient care activities, including the performance of invasive procedures, regardless of their bloodborne infection status, providing that UCSF infection control policies and procedures are followed. Evaluation of healthcare providers whose fitness for duty is questioned will proceed according to existing mechanisms at UCSF. 2. Employee Rehabilitation Services (415-476-2621) provides confidential consultation to healthcare workers who are considering modification or discontinuation of their professional activities as a consequence of bloodborne infection. 3. When there is compelling evidence that a healthcare provider has been involved in the transmission of bloodborne pathogens to a patient, clinical privileges and/or patient care responsibilities will be reviewed for appropriate action by the responsible department and a designee from the UCSF Infection Control Committee.