Transitioning an Infection Prevention and Control Program to a New Outpatient Hospital-Based Cancer Center

Abstract

Background In order to create a more patient-centric, multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, a large non-profit health system moved cancer treatment services from across the system to a newly renovated office complex consisting of over 400,000 square feet and 100 acres. The move brought together clinical operations from both the acute care and outpatient care settings. In mid-2019, the new hospital-based outpatient cancer institute was opened. Unifying infection prevention and control (IPC) practices across the newly formed clinical setting created a challenging environment for implementing an effective IPC program. Methods The combination and integration of different clinical areas from across the system highlighted inconsistency in IPC practices. To identify the IPC needs throughout the cancer center clinical practices, a comprehensive assessment was performed. A current state matrix helped identify several gaps in infection control knowledge and practices. The deficiencies with the highest risk to patients were addressed first with focus on high- and low-level disinfection, sterile processing, safe infection practices, standard and transmission-based precautions and hand hygiene. Results With the assistance of front-line staff and evidence-based, best practice guidance, new processes and procedures were developed and rolled out facility wide. To support and unify IPC practices, staff attended educational sessions where the special concerns for preventing infections in the cancer patient populations were discussed. Conclusions Even though infection control principles are the same across care settings, the new environment and targeted patient population required a tailored approach in order to maintain consistent IPC practices. Furthermore, understanding the special needs of oncology patient care, building strong relationships with clinical leadership and maintaining visibility throughout the facility have been critical in providing and maintaining an effective program. In order to create a more patient-centric, multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, a large non-profit health system moved cancer treatment services from across the system to a newly renovated office complex consisting of over 400,000 square feet and 100 acres. The move brought together clinical operations from both the acute care and outpatient care settings. In mid-2019, the new hospital-based outpatient cancer institute was opened. Unifying infection prevention and control (IPC) practices across the newly formed clinical setting created a challenging environment for implementing an effective IPC program. The combination and integration of different clinical areas from across the system highlighted inconsistency in IPC practices. To identify the IPC needs throughout the cancer center clinical practices, a comprehensive assessment was performed. A current state matrix helped identify several gaps in infection control knowledge and practices. The deficiencies with the highest risk to patients were addressed first with focus on high- and low-level disinfection, sterile processing, safe infection practices, standard and transmission-based precautions and hand hygiene. With the assistance of front-line staff and evidence-based, best practice guidance, new processes and procedures were developed and rolled out facility wide. To support and unify IPC practices, staff attended educational sessions where the special concerns for preventing infections in the cancer patient populations were discussed. Even though infection control principles are the same across care settings, the new environment and targeted patient population required a tailored approach in order to maintain consistent IPC practices. Furthermore, understanding the special needs of oncology patient care, building strong relationships with clinical leadership and maintaining visibility throughout the facility have been critical in providing and maintaining an effective program.