INTRODUCTION & SUMMARY
Once a Long-Term Care facility has established the specific protocols that will be used, the next step is to prepare everyone who will play a role to be successful. This involves comprehensive training and education of custodians and 3rd party service providers as well as nurses, staff, and, if necessary, residents and patients.
In general, training topics should include:
- “Why” Cleaning Is So Important
- Cleaning/Sanitizing/Disinfecting Procedures
- Basic Cleaning Principles
- The Use of PPE
- Safety
Understanding basic cleaning principles provides individuals with a baseline of knowledge to be successful. A list of key principles is included in the PiP program – titled “Basic Cleaning/Disinfection Principles.”
Training Options
When considering training and education programs, facilities should keep the following things in mind:
- There are a variety of training/education formats available through a local Triple S Member, including:
- Live classroom training – In-person, live demonstration training – Traditional videos and DVDs
- Online programs – Smartphone and app based programs
- The format must be easily understood by the specific trainees
- Topics covered must be specific to the processes, procedures and tasks employed.
Among the topics that may be covered:
Local Triple S Members can provide training and education programs on the topics listed above and may also assist with training/certification focused on more advanced concepts, including:
- Match the topics covered to the specific tasks assigned to the trainee (e.g.: If staff members will be asked to perform disinfection, they must be taught proper disinfection techniques and if residents/patients will be asked to wipe their workspaces, they must be trained on how to use wipes.
- Training and education must also be specific to the products that will be used.
- Refresher training should be provided on a scheduled basis – at least once per year.
A sample training plan is available as part of the PiP program package. Facilities are strongly encouraged to use Triple S’ “Mobile Coach”application to help provide training. The app allows custodial professionals to review materials at their own pace. Residents, patients and staff members, on the other hand, will need to be shown what to do through in-person demonstration training.
And involvement in training is key. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
