The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center 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 physicians who serve as the Medical Directors of Epidemiology, a Health System Director, Infection Preventionists (IPs), Hand Hygiene Program Coordinator, Resource Planning Analyst, and High Level Disinfection and Sterilization Analysts 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 also monitors hand hygiene isolation compliance throughout the OSUWMC. This data along with the surveillance data is presented at quality and departmental meetings throughout the organization.
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.
Mission
To prevent healthcare- associated infections by implementing evidence-based practices, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, driving continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards to protect the safety of patients, staff and visitors.
Vision
To be a nationally recognized leader in infection prevention, fostering a culture of safety and excellence where preventable infections are eliminated, patient outcomes are optimized, and infection prevention is embedded in every aspect of care delivery.