WeTreatFeet Podiatry: Leading the Way in Infection Prevention
As the saying goes, “Healthy feet, happy life.” At WeTreatFeet Podiatry, we take this adage seriously. Our commitment to patient well-being extends beyond diagnosing and treating foot conditions; it encompasses a comprehensive approach to infection prevention. Why is this crucial? Let’s delve into the importance of a podiatry practice implementing rigorous safety measures and how WeTreatFeet stands at the forefront of this critical topic.
The Significance of Infection Prevention in Podiatry
- Patient Safety Comes First:
- Foot health is intricately linked to overall health. Patients seeking podiatric care often have underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or compromised immune systems. Infection prevention safeguards their well-being during treatments and procedures.
- By adhering to strict protocols, we minimize the risk of infections, wound complications, and cross-contamination. Our patients deserve nothing less than the highest standard of care.
- Preventing the Spread of Pathogens:
- Podiatrists handle various instruments, perform surgeries, and provide wound care. Without proper infection prevention, pathogens can spread easily.
- We prioritize hand hygiene, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and follow evidence-based guidelines. This proactive approach ensures that our patients receive safe and effective treatments.
WeTreatFeet’s Commitment to Excellence
At WeTreatFeet, we don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk (pun intended). Our infection prevention guide, outlined in the rest of this page, reflects our dedication to patient safety. From hand hygiene to environmental cleaning, every step aligns with established protocols. When you choose WeTreatFeet, you’re choosing a practice that puts your health first.
Remember, healthy feet are the foundation for an active, vibrant life. Let’s step forward together, knowing that WeTreatFeet follows the protocol set forth in this comprehensive guide
Hand Hygiene
At WeTreatFeet, we prioritize infection prevention to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients. Proper hand hygiene is a fundamental practice that all our staff members follow diligently:
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer as the preferred method for hand hygiene. If hands are visibly soiled, use soap and water from the sinks in each exam room.
- Perform hand hygiene before and after glove removal, even if gloves were worn.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Our commitment to patient safety extends to the use of appropriate PPE:
- Wear PPE (gloves, gowns, facemasks) when there’s potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or contaminated equipment.
- We provide disposable nitrile gloves, disposable gowns, and surgical masks in each exam room.
- Choose PPE based on anticipated patient interaction and likely mode of transmission.
- Perform hand hygiene before and after removing PPE.
- Dispose of used PPE in red biohazard bins.
Injection Safety & Medication Handling
Safe medication practices are crucial for patient care:
- Use aseptic technique when preparing and administering medications.
- Cleanse medication vial access diaphragms with 70% isopropyl alcohol prep pads before inserting a device.
- Never administer medications from the same syringe to multiple patients, even with needle changes.
- Prepare medications as close to administration time as possible.
- Dispose of used sharps immediately in the puncture-resistant Sharps containers in each room.
Respiratory Hygiene
We take respiratory hygiene seriously:
- Ask patients and visitors about respiratory symptoms upon arrival and provide masks if needed.
- Personnel with respiratory infections should stay home per WeTreatFeet sick leave policy.
- If personnel must work with a minor respiratory infection, wear a surgical mask for patient encounters.
Environmental Cleaning
Our commitment to cleanliness extends to our facilities:
- Use WeTreatFeet’s green hospital-grade cleaning products for all surface cleaning.
- Change exam table paper roll and pillow covers between every patient.
- Wipe down entire exam rooms with disinfectant after each patient.
- Focus extra cleaning on high-touch surfaces at least daily (door handles, chairs, stools, computers).
WeTreatFeet Podiatry stands at the forefront of infection prevention practices, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. Our commitment to excellence includes:
- Cutting-Edge Protocols: We continuously update our infection prevention protocols based on guidelines from the CDC. Our team rigorously follows core practices, including education and training of healthcare professionals, safe injection and medication handling, and more.
- Patient-Centric Approach: We prioritize patient safety by implementing immediate measures for known or suspected infections, such as COVID-19. Whether it’s hand hygiene, PPE usage, or environmental cleaning, WeTreatFeet remains dedicated to providing the highest standard of care
Remember, infection prevention is a collective effort. Let’s continue to prioritize safety and well-being at WeTreatFeet Podiatry!
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