The OSUWMC Department of Clinical Epidemiology is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our patients, visitors, faculty and staff through preventing and controlling the spread of infection at the Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University. Clinical Epidemiology is comprised of three physicians, who serve as the Hospital Epidemiologists, nine Infection Preventionists, an administrative director with an RN and MS, and a data manager with an MPH providing these services to the OSUWMC hospitals and ambulatory sites.
Clinical Epidemiology conducts and reports surveillance on healthcare acquired infections (HAIs) including Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLA-BSIs), Ventilator Associated Pneumonias (VAPs), Surgical Site Infections (SSIs), Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs), MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, influenza and other organisms of epidemiologic importance. Our team monitors process data on hand hygiene and contact isolation compliance throughout the OSUWMC. This data is available to those with access to the Nursing/OneSource Scorecards on a monthly basis and is reported to Leadership as well.
Epidemiology provides education and guidance for staff on proper adherence to Infection Control Policies. The Department's members serve as content experts and are available to answer questions relating to infection control issues 24/7 for any clinicians, visitors or patients.