Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1529883
11 Executive Briefing 2 EXECUTIVE BRIEFING Aligning infection prevention with hospital leadership priorities While universal nasal decolonization of all patients, regardless of their infection risk profi le, makes clinical sense to many infection preventionists (IPs), concerns remained regarding its economic viability and operational feasibility. "Most IPs we collaborate with believe that implementing an all-patient program would reduce SSIs, CLABSIs, bacteremia, and other infections," says Willimann. "However, many were hesitant to proceed until others had demonstrated success." Since 2016, pioneering IPs at leading U.S. hospitals have implemented universal programs and are now reporting positive outcomes. Many IPs are looking for how best to help leadership approve of such initiatives in their own facilities. To assist IPs with this challenge, Nozin focused on quantifying the full value of a prevented infection to an organization. It became evident that IPs and leadership were not always speaking the same language. While IPs emphasized infections avoided, leadership focused on metrics such as length of stay (LOS), patient throughput, and revenue generation per bed. Additionally, many facilities lacked the resources to design and implement a successful program. "We developed Nozin NOVA SM programs as a comprehensive suite of services to implement nasal decolonization, starting with analyzing the hospital's colonization pressure," says Willimann. "We show how this burden affects infection risk. Then, we translate risk reduction potential into tangible benefi ts. Working individually with each facility, Nozin advisers help build a compelling business case. By emphasizing the broader impact of infection prevention, they demonstrate how avoiding HAIs can lead to signifi cant treatment cost savings, save nursing hours, and free up beds to accommodate new patients." While HAI treatment costs may sometimes be viewed as "soft costs," reductions in LOS are tangible benefi ts that directly enhance hospital effi ciency and capacity. Additionally, lowering infection rates can positively infl uence penalties and performance scores. "An all-patient program can generate a substantial return on investment (ROI) without capital expenditure or additional labor required," notes Willimann. Nozin has also established a team of clinically trained implementation specialists, including nurses, to assist in designing, implementing, and ensuring the success of these programs. These teams are available to consult with hospital IP experts on a complimentary basis. In addition to utilizing the mounting clinical evidence, IPs can incorporate these Nozin NOVA SM tools and services to make a compelling case for universal nasal decolonization. This can provide leadership with key insight to make better resource allocation decisions. "We see large facilities and integrated delivery networks (IDNs) implementing these programs with encouraging results," says Willimann. "Adding to the 20+ independent studies validating program benefi ts, we expect that current implementations will lead to additional published evidence of the value of Nozin programs." In summary, Willimann adds, "Our Protect Every Patient SM service mission is to help hospitals reduce HAIs and lower costs through universal nasal decolonization. Safeguarding patients is not only the right thing to do—it is also a sound business decision." Noz•n is a leader in helping hospitals implement clinically supported nasal decolonization solutions to reduce infections and lower costs. Through Nozin NOVA SM programs powered by Nozin® Nasal Sanitizer® antiseptic, the company advances its Protect Every Patient SM service mission to improve hospital safety, quality of care and operational effi ciency with universal nasal decolonization.