LDPM 84 - Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Infection Prevention Program

Background: Infection prevention (IP) programs' increasing demands and evolving scope in the setting of healthcare staffing shortages and a changing environment require an innovative approach to program structure. Historically, the IP program at our academic medical center included trained infection preventionists and physicians. To address the changing needs of our IP program, our goal is to assess the needs of our program and implement additional clinical and supportive roles to create a high performing IP program.

Methods: We reviewed the existing guidance including the Infection Preventionist Competency Model (IPCM), Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) competencies, and our internal risk assessment and five year plan to identify areas of need. We also reviewed the literature for recommended IP staffing ratios. We presented a summary of our findings and proposed plan to senior leadership and designed corresponding job descriptions.

Results: Based on our review of the literature and our internal gap analysis, we proposed the addition of an embedded performance improvement consultant. Additionally, we identified the need for a program manager with IP expertise and designed a new job role using the IPCM. Using the IPCM and the CNL competencies, a new job role was created for a dedicated IP program CNL. Each of these positions was filled by promoting experienced members of our IP program.

Conclusions: Our program now consists of five infection preventionists, a CNL, an IP program manager, an embedded performance improvement consultant and a medical director/hospital epidemiologist. This structure allows our team to undertake and solve complex problems, respond to emerging issues and diseases and increase our presence in clinical areas. Other IP programs may consider using this framework to increase adaptability and output.