In this course, Katandria Love Demps, DrPH, CCC-SLP, CPH, CAS, CPCRT, explores the connection between environmental services (EVS), infection prevention, and patient safety, with a focus on what speech-language pathologists need to know in their daily practice. Drawing on her experience as a practicing SLP and CEO of an environmental services company, Dr. Demps examines how healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) spread, the role of environmental cleaning and disinfection in reducing transmission risks, and the importance of collaboration between SLPs, EVS professionals, and infection prevention teams.
Participants will learn about the regulatory standards and guidelines that inform environmental cleaning practices, including OSHA requirements, The Joint Commission standards, AORN guidelines, and GBAC STAR accreditation protocols. The course also introduces a competency-based EVS training and certification model recognized as a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship, demonstrating how standardized training can support infection prevention, patient safety, and health equity.
Practical applications for SLPs include standard and transmission-based precautions, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning and disinfecting shared therapy materials, and safely handling equipment used in dysphagia management and instrumental swallowing evaluations. Participants will also explore infection prevention considerations in telepractice and strategies for communicating and collaborating with EVS and infection prevention teams. Emphasis is placed on applying infection control principles while following facility policies, manufacturer instructions, and established infection prevention protocols.
Participants will learn about the regulatory standards and guidelines that inform environmental cleaning practices, including OSHA requirements, The Joint Commission standards, AORN guidelines, and GBAC STAR accreditation protocols. The course also introduces a competency-based EVS training and certification model recognized as a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship, demonstrating how standardized training can support infection prevention, patient safety, and health equity.
Practical applications for SLPs include standard and transmission-based precautions, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning and disinfecting shared therapy materials, and safely handling equipment used in dysphagia management and instrumental swallowing evaluations. Participants will also explore infection prevention considerations in telepractice and strategies for communicating and collaborating with EVS and infection prevention teams. Emphasis is placed on applying infection control principles while following facility policies, manufacturer instructions, and established infection prevention protocols.
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