CarePoint Health System

Cynthia Mercado-Reyes

Safety Culture Shaper

1. Can you share some key milestones that have contributed to your growth and how those experiences have prepared you for your current role at CarePoint Health System?

My journey as a Manager of Infection Control Preventative Medicine at CarePoint Health System is shaped by pivotal milestones that have meticulously prepared me for my current leadership role. With a robust educational foundation and over two decades of experience as a staff nurse, I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health. I completed my Master’s Degree in Public Health in July. My distinction as a Top Leader in the Healthcare Industry for Infection Control and my publication in Healthcare Tech Outlook Magazine, released in November 2023, underscores my commitment to advancing knowledge in infectious diseases and transmission routes.

Early in my career, hospital settings provided me with invaluable insights into surveillance methodologies, outbreak management, and the imperative of interdisciplinary collaboration. Under the mentorship of esteemed leaders like Dr. Alfredo Rabines, D.O., Chief Hospital Executive, Trina Clyburn-Boyd, RN, BSN, MSN, VP Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer, and Patricia Awuah, MSN, RN-BC, Director of Quality Improvement, I assumed pivotal roles in policy development. This prowess enabled me to translate guidelines into robust strategies aligned with contemporary scientific insights and regulatory benchmarks. Working closely with Dr. Jack Boghossian, MD, our Infectious Disease specialist and Chairman of Bayonne Medical Center's Infection Control Committee, has deepened my understanding of infection prevention complexities, equipping me to advocate for patient safety and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams at CarePoint Health System.

2. What are the current challenges in infection control that healthcare facilities face today?

Healthcare facilities today grapple with several formidable challenges in infection control. Antimicrobial resistance continues to escalate, posing treatment complexities and financial burdens. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) persist despite rigorous preventive measures, necessitating ongoing efforts in hand hygiene, environmental sanitation, and sterile procedure adherence. The emergence of new pathogens, exemplified by recent outbreaks like COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza underscores the need for swift adaptation and robust infection control protocols. Vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers and the public further complicates prevention efforts, potentially heightening the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases within healthcare settings. Inadequate resources, ranging from staffing shortages to insufficient supplies, can hinder consistent and effective infection control practices.

3. How do you ensure that infection control protocols and guidelines are effectively communicated and adhered to by healthcare staff?

At CarePoint Health System, ensuring adherence to infection control protocols and guidelines among healthcare staff is a priority achieved through systematic approaches. We conduct regular and comprehensive training sessions that cover essential topics like hand hygiene, PPE use, and isolation precautions, tailored to various roles within our healthcare team. Clear and accessible policies and procedures outline expectations and steps for compliance, supported by leadership from the Chief Hospital Executive, Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Quality Improvement, and our Infectious Disease Specialist, who emphasize the importance of infection control. We utilize regular audits to monitor adherence, providing feedback and opportunities for improvement. Technology, such as online modules and EHRs, aids in training delivery and documentation of compliance. Open communication channels and recognition of staff who excel in adherence further reinforce our commitment to maintaining a safe environment.

4. What advice would you give to your peers in the industry on effectively implementing and maintaining robust infection control protocols?

Effective implementation and maintenance of robust infection control protocols in healthcare settings hinge on several critical principles. Firstly, securing strong leadership commitment is essential; leaders must prioritize patient safety, allocate resources effectively, and advocate for adherence to protocols throughout the organization. Secondly, investing in comprehensive education and training programs is crucial, ensuring all healthcare staff are well-versed in essential practices like hand hygiene, PPE use, and isolation procedures through ongoing, role-specific training sessions. Clear and accessible policies and procedures should be developed, regularly updated based on new evidence and guidelines, and made readily available to all staff. Regular monitoring and auditing of infection control practices provide valuable insights for improvement, fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability. Effective communication channels and collaboration among interdisciplinary teams are vital to sharing best practices, addressing challenges collectively, and innovating with emerging technologies and strategies. Lastly, engaging patients and the community in infection prevention through education and shared responsibility enhances overall infection control efforts. By adhering to these principles, healthcare facilities can establish a comprehensive framework that enhances patient safety, reduces healthcare-associated infections, and supports ongoing improvement in infection control practices.

5. Who has played a significant role in your development as a Manager of Infection Control Preventative Medicine at CarePoint Health System, and how have they contributed to your experience at CarePoint Health System?

I owe heartfelt gratitude to several individuals who have been pivotal in my growth at CarePoint Health System, like Dr. Rabines, who has been my invaluable guide and supporter, consistently emphasizing evidencebased practices and fostering a culture centered on patient safety. Clyburn-Boyd has played a crucial role in promoting rigorous infection control measures and encouraging collaboration among healthcare teams. Her steadfast support and guidance have been instrumental in my professional development, providing encouragement and insight that have helped me navigate challenges effectively. Additionally, Awuah has been a cornerstone of my professional journey, advocating for continuous learning, spearheading quality improvement initiatives and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.

Moreover, Dr. Jack Boghossian, MD, our Infectious Disease Specialist and Chairman of Bayonne Medical Center, Infection Control Committee, has been instrumental in deepening my understanding of infectious diseases and infection prevention complexities. Their mentorship and leadership have profoundly shaped my career and fortified our infection prevention efforts, ensuring a safe and exemplary healthcare environment at CarePoint Health System.