Recommendations for change in infection prevention programs and practice

Fifty years of evolution in infection prevention and control programs have involved significant accomplishments related to clinical practices, methodologies, and technology. However, regulatory mandates, and resource and research limitations, coupled with emerging infection threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic, present considerable challenges for infection preventionists. This article provides guidance and recommendations in 14 key areas. These interventions should be considered for implementation by United States health care facilities in the near future

Geographical Variability in the Likelihood of Bloodstream Infections Due to Gram-Negative Bacteria: Correlation with Proximity to the Equator and Health Care Expenditure (vol 9, e114548, 2014)

Hosp Univ Austral, Div Infect Dis Prevent & Infect Control Serv, Buenos Aires, DF, ArgentinaHosp Univ Austral, Microbiol Lab, Buenos Aires, DF, ArgentinaMonash Hlth, Monash Infect Dis, Clayton, Vic, AustraliaWollongong Hosp, Wollongong, NSW, AustraliaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Infect Dis, Lab Especial Microbiol Clin, São Paulo, BrazilHosp Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, BrazilVirginia Commonwealth Univ, Med Ctr, Richmond, VA USAHosp Rim & Hipertensao, São Paulo, BrazilHosp Santa Casa Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilHosp Conceicao, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilHosp Walter Cantidio, Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilHosp Diadema, São Paulo, BrazilHosp Espanhol, Salvador, BA, BrazilHosp Clin Goiania, Goiania, Go, BrazilMt Sinai Hosp, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, CanadaUniv Alberta, Div Infect Dis, Edmonton, AB, CanadaCairo Univ Kasr Ainy, Dar Al Fouad Hosp, Fac Med, Dept Clin Pathol, Cairo, EgyptHygeia Gen Hosp, Athens, GreeceUniv Tubingen Hosp, Internal Med, Div Infect Dis, Tubingen, GermanyTokyo Metropolitan Tama Med Ctr, Dept Infect Prevent, Tokyo, JapanAmphia Hosp Breda, Lab Microbiol & Infect Control, Breda, NetherlandsThammasat Univ Hosp, Div Infect Dis, Pathum Thani, ThailandSt John Hosp & Med Ctr, Infect Prevent & Control Dept, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI USAUniv Hosp Bern, Dept Infect Dis, CH-3010 Bern, SwitzerlandUniv Bern, Bern, SwitzerlandBarnes Jewish Hosp, St Louis, MO 63110 USAUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Infect Dis, Lab Especial Microbiol Clin, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Ten pillars for the expansion of health system infection prevention capacity

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in health care across the nation. Particularly, infection prevention programs have been subjected to pressures and increased responsibilities with no expansion in support. In addition, there is a rapid trend for health systems to merge to ensure long term sustainability. Based on our experience leading infection prevention at one of the largest health systems in the United States, we outline how systems can provide and increase capacity to optimize and enhance the hospital level infection prevention programs and outcomes. In this commentary, “Ten Pillars for the Expansion of Health System Infection Prevention Capacity” we offer 10 categories of what we have found to establish a successful and functioning infection prevention program. The pillars to support the infection prevention programs focus on structure, processes, empowerment, and partnerships, and the elements and strategies that comprise them