Q: How many hours should we give our infection preventionist?
A:The time the infection preventionist requires depends on the responsibilities assigned. According to the State Operations Manual, Appendix PP, facilities must designate one or more individuals to assume responsibility for the infection prevention and control program.
Although Appendix PP states the IP must work at least part-time, actually assessing, developing, implementing, monitoring and managing the program may demand more. To determine requirements, start with the Facility Assessment. Characteristics such as specialty units can highlight higher-risk areas. The community-based risk assessment includes a review for risks like multidrug-resistant organisms or communicable diseases.
Facilities with higher infection rates must give the IP more time. Taking corrective actions, training staff, and participating in QAPI are necessary to lower infection rates. More specifically, the IP needs time to conduct outcome surveillance, which includes tracking infections of residents and staff, and process surveillance, which includes monitoring compliance with care practices like hand hygiene. The IP must also implement systems to prevent infection spread. For example, to prevent improper antibiotic use, the IP would audit to ensure the facility follows nationally recognized criteria like McGeer’s.
When problems emerge, the IP must initiate corrective actions and report results to the QAA/QAPI committee. The IP also educates all staff on related topics. For example, the IP must train new staff on performing hand hygiene and verify their competency. There is no fixed answer to the number of hours the IP role requires — but the time invested in monitoring is key.
Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, is vice presidents of Education and Certification Strategy for the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN). Send her your nursing-related questions at [email protected].
