Infection Control Resource Teams: What have we learned?

In 2008, the Ontario government commissioned the Infection Control Resource Teams (ICRTs) to assist hospitals with Clostridium difficile outbreak investigations and management. Since then, the ICRTs have increased their capacity so that they now provide support to other non-reportable organism outbreaks. This presentation will provide background information about the ICRTs and what to expect during a visit from one of the teams.  Results from an evaluation of hospital visits in 2010 will be shared and the most common recommendations made to hospitals and lessons learned will be highlighted. Finally, a discussion will be held about the future directions of the ICRTs.

Presenter: Liz Van Horne

Liz Van Horne is manager, Infection Prevention and Control Resources, at Public Health Ontario. Prior to joining PHO, she worked as an infection prevention and control professional in a variety of settings including public health at the provincial and regional levels.  She has worked with the ICRTs since their inception in 2008

Presenter: Freda Lam
Freda Lam is a field epidemiologist with the Canadian Field Epidemiology Program (CFEP) and is currently completing her placement at Public Health Ontario. Prior to joining CFEP, she worked as an epidemiologist and a public health inspector with York Region Health Services and the City of Hamilton.