It's Time to Focus! Maximizing the Effectiveness and Outcomes of Your Infection Prevention Committee

Abstract

Background One out of every 25 patients is impacted by a healthcare-acquired infection (HAI). Mitigation and prevention efforts require both a skilled infection preventionist (IP) and a high functioning infection prevention committee (IPC) by which the diffusion of information related to HAI risks is reviewed. In addition, there exist numerous regulatory requirements for infection prevention programs (IPP). This breadth of IPP elements led to deferred discussions of critical items, information overload, and limited time for detailed case reviews. Member attendance was sporadic therefore, situational awareness of practice gaps was missing. IPP action planning was ineffective due to this continual cycle of inefficiencies, thus putting patients and the organization at risk. Methods Within this healthcare system, the formation of IPP quality assurance, process improvement (QAPI) was implemented using standardized tools and a meeting consent agenda format. The IPC was educated on the consent agenda method and member responsibilities. Regulatory program requirements are all listed on a one-page checklist, providing clarity with all IPP components. These items and accompanying performance metrics are sent to committee members one week before the meeting. Most of the items are placed on the consent agenda which leaves time for focused discussions on critical items. Results Observed benefits across this network of hospitals include focused discussion on critical items and improved performance metrics. Other benefits include clarity for attendee expectations regarding meeting preparedness and readiness to discuss items of pertinence, meeting flexibility for the IPC by maneuvering consent agenda items based on need and shortened meeting time. Improved meeting attendance and meeting satisfaction was reported. Conclusions The IPP effectiveness and outcomes are based on an organized QAPI process and engaged committee members. Effective meeting facilitation and tools assist the IP in managing the broad scope of IPP elements ensuring patient harm is mitigated and regulatory requirements are met. One out of every 25 patients is impacted by a healthcare-acquired infection (HAI). Mitigation and prevention efforts require both a skilled infection preventionist (IP) and a high functioning infection prevention committee (IPC) by which the diffusion of information related to HAI risks is reviewed. In addition, there exist numerous regulatory requirements for infection prevention programs (IPP). This breadth of IPP elements led to deferred discussions of critical items, information overload, and limited time for detailed case reviews. Member attendance was sporadic therefore, situational awareness of practice gaps was missing. IPP action planning was ineffective due to this continual cycle of inefficiencies, thus putting patients and the organization at risk. Within this healthcare system, the formation of IPP quality assurance, process improvement (QAPI) was implemented using standardized tools and a meeting consent agenda format. The IPC was educated on the consent agenda method and member responsibilities. Regulatory program requirements are all listed on a one-page checklist, providing clarity with all IPP components. These items and accompanying performance metrics are sent to committee members one week before the meeting. Most of the items are placed on the consent agenda which leaves time for focused discussions on critical items. Observed benefits across this network of hospitals include focused discussion on critical items and improved performance metrics. Other benefits include clarity for attendee expectations regarding meeting preparedness and readiness to discuss items of pertinence, meeting flexibility for the IPC by maneuvering consent agenda items based on need and shortened meeting time. Improved meeting attendance and meeting satisfaction was reported. The IPP effectiveness and outcomes are based on an organized QAPI process and engaged committee members. Effective meeting facilitation and tools assist the IP in managing the broad scope of IPP elements ensuring patient harm is mitigated and regulatory requirements are met.