1303 - From Quality Improvement to Publication

Session Description: One of the most challenging roles of the infection preventionist is to design, implement and evaluate new initiatives based on high quality evidence. In an ideal world there would be numerous high-quality studies, from a range of settings to draw conclusions about the appropriateness of interventions. However for a range of reasons this is often not the case. As a result there has been movement to redefine evidence based practice to incorporate information from a broader range of studies than traditional clinical trials. “Practice-based evidence” involves the synthesis of clinical expertise, evidence from programs with similar aims and objectives and the gathering of evidence during practice. A key part of this process is ensuring evidence collected in well-designed quality improvement projects is published and disseminated widely.

This workshop is designed to help infection preventionists (novice to expert) develop quality improvement projects that will culminate in a scholarly peer reviewed publication in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC),.

First, we will use a case study to explore program logic models, a useful tool to guide design of projects. Program logic models are schematic representations describing how a program is supposed to work, by linking inputs and activities with outputs and longer-term outcomes. They help guide evaluation by identifying what questions you should be asking and what data you should collect at each stage.

Second, we will examine the importance of ethical approval and how to ensure your project is designed to meet best practice recommendations for minimizing risk to participants. This part of the workshop will be interactive and use scenario-based discussions.

We will provide practical step-by-step guidance on turning a project into a publication and demonstrate live the article submission process for AJIC. This will include strategies and tips for maximizing publication potential. Interactive exercises will be used.