Implementation of the OUTFOX Mindset

OUTFOX Catchphrase

 

Why a catchphrase?  OUTFOX is a catchphrase used by medical organizations to bring professionals staff members together under one goal and one mindset.  Slogans have long been known to help individuals accept and comply with initiatives.  Using a slogan brings congruency by getting your staff member to think along the same idea framework.

 

In order for an infection control program to be successful, all employees need to be part of the initiative and using the catchphrase.  Hence, every employee becomes part of the OUTFOX team. 

 

Examples of the catchphrase usage include: 

 

Examples of the catchphrase usage in a school setting include: What did you do to OUTFOX illness today? How are we going to OUTFOX the measles outbreak found at a neighboring school? How does hand sanitizer help OUTFOX germs? The school nurse is going to teach our class how to best OUTFOX germs. Coughing into your elbow helps you and others OUTFOX the spreading of colds and flus. And so forth.

 

Medical:  What did you do to OUTFOX illness today?  How are we going to OUTFOX the measles outbreak found in pediatrics?  We’re going to have some continuing education courses to help us OUTFOX our hospital acquired infections.  Using proper hand hygiene principles will OUTFOX germs and help keep our department sanitary.  It doesn’t look like the environmental cleaning staff is OUTFOXing infections by leaving these areas dirty.  Properly removing your gloves OUTFOXes the spreading of germs to the next patient.  How does hand sanitizer help OUTFOX germs?  These new scrubs have been great for OUTFOXing germs!  Coughing into your elbow helps you and others OUTFOX the spreading of colds and flus.  And so forth.

 

Food Service:  What did you do to OUTFOX illness today?  The health department inspector said we need to OUTFOX more germs around our food preparation areas.  Welcome to employee orientation- we are going to teach you how to best OUTFOX germs to avoid outbreaks.  The cooks need to OUTFOX better by cooling the food quicker.  Waiters need to wash their hands more often to OUTFOX the germs spread through patrons’ money.  We should have an employee meeting how we can OUTFOX foodborne illnesses more efficiently.  Let’s OUTFOX by investigating which part of our food processing is allowing germs to enter.  Wearing gloves with fresh foods helps block germs and OUTFOX particles that can make our customers sick.  How does hand sanitizer help OUTFOX germs?  Coughing into your elbow helps you and others OUTFOX the spreading of colds and flus.  And so forth.
 

Who is OUTFOX?

 

From top to bottom in an organization, CEOs to interns, employees need to continually be thinking of ways to OUTFOX infection.  A commitment from every employee is essential.  Infection control is a team activity that relies on all the participating members to uphold their end of the task.  Everyone in the organization plays a role that can positively or negatively affect other departments or individuals.  For example, if the janitorial staff is not properly sanitizing during environmental cleaning then significant problems can occur during procedures or other times of care.  However, if the janitorial staff sanitizes correctly then there is a greater likelihood of successful care. 

 

Are you prepared to join OUTFOX and enlist your organization?