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Holmes K, Boston KM, McCarty J, Steinfeld S, Kennedy V. Enhancing infection preventionist certification success through a structured training program. Am J Infect Control 2024:S0196-6553(24)00628-X. [PMID: 39089492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Certification in infection control (CIC) is a standardized indicator of the knowledge and competencies essential for effective infection prevention practice. Evidence measuring success of training programs for certfication in infection control is limited. METHODS From 2017 through 2023, 51 novice infection preventionists (IPs) were enrolled in a training program that combined didactic learning, application of knowledge in practice, and mentorship from advanced-practice and near-peer IPs. Participants were tracked through completion of certification examination and pass rates were compared with rates for 2023 CIC candidates. RESULTS All participants engaged in the training program attempted the CIC examination. The training group had a pass rate of 98%. This is 27% higher than the most recent rate published by Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) of 71%. DISCUSSION Participants were significantly more likely to pass the CIC exam on the first try, showing that a supported, competency-based training program can be successful in supporting novice IPs in certification success. CONCLUSIONS Building foundational knowledge on key concepts in infection prevention and control and enhancing learning through supervised, direct application of skills improves CIC certification exam pass rates and supports progression of early career IPs to more independent practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Holmes
- Infection Prevention & Management Associates, Inc., Houston, TX
| | - Kelley M Boston
- Infection Prevention & Management Associates, Inc., Houston, TX.
| | | | - Sandi Steinfeld
- Infection Prevention & Management Associates, Inc., Houston, TX
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Spada I, Fabbroni V, Chiarello F, Fantoni G. Standardising job descriptions in the humanitarian supply chain: A text mining approach for recruitment process. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305961. [PMID: 38985717 PMCID: PMC11236101 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Uncertainty and complexity have increased in recent decades, posing new challenges to humanitarian organisations. This study investigates whether using standard terminology in Human Resource Management processes can support the Humanitarian supply chain in attracting and maintaining highly skilled operators. METHODOLOGY We exploit text mining to compare job vacancies on ReliefWeb, the reference platform for humanitarian job seekers, and ESCO, the European Classification of Skills, Competencies, and Occupations. We measure the level of alignment in these two resources, providing quantitative evidence about terminology standardisation in job descriptions for supporting HR operators in the Humanitarian field. FINDINGS The most in-demand skills, besides languages, relate to resource management and economics and finance for capital management. Our results show that job vacancies for managerial and financial profiles are relatively more in line with the European database than those for technical profiles. However, the peculiarities of the humanitarian sector and the lack of standardisation are still a barrier to achieving the desired level of coherence with humanitarian policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Spada
- Department of Energy, Systems, Land and Construction Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Business Engineering for Data Science (B4DS) Research Lab, School of Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Fabbroni
- Department of Civilisations and Forms of Knowledge, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- SDCC Department, Asian Development Bank, Fragile Countries, Manila, Philippines
| | - Filippo Chiarello
- Department of Energy, Systems, Land and Construction Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Business Engineering for Data Science (B4DS) Research Lab, School of Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gualtiero Fantoni
- Business Engineering for Data Science (B4DS) Research Lab, School of Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Industrial and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Ülgüt R, Tomsic I, Chaberny IF, von Lengerke T. Human resource management to assist infection prevention and control professionals: a scoping review. J Hosp Infect 2024; 148:145-154. [PMID: 38679391 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals are key intermediaries between hospital managers and frontline staff. During the novel coronavirus disease pandemic, IPC professionals faced new challenges. Unfortunately, research on human resource management (HRM) to support IPC during and between pandemics is lacking. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to elucidate the existing knowledge on HRM measures in this context and thus contribute to the pandemic preparedness of healthcare facilities. It was conducted as part of the "PREparedness and PAndemic REsponse in Germany (PREPARED)" project within the Network University Medicine (NUM), using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. PubMed was searched without time restriction until 2023 (filter: English, German). Two reviewers assessed titles/abstracts and full texts, respectively. A total of nine publications were included, eight of which were published in the USA. All publications reported survey data (quantitative: six). Measures targeting personnel development and the qualification of IPC personnel were reported in six studies, i.e., almost two-thirds of the studies, of which five focused on the tasks of IPC professionals. In contrast, management of personnel costs and remuneration systems were reported less frequently (three studies), and only regarding issues around retention, compensation and dismissal. In conclusion, research gaps include trials on implementation and effectiveness of HRM for IPC. Given the increasing shortage of IPC professionals, HRM measures during and between pandemics become more important for establishing pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ülgüt
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Medical Psychology, Hannover, Germany
| | - I Tomsic
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Medical Psychology, Hannover, Germany
| | - I F Chaberny
- Leipzig University Hospital, Institute of Hygiene, Hospital Epidemiology and Environmental Medicine, Leipzig, Germany; Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Institute of Hospital Epidemiology and Environmental Hygiene, Kiel, Germany
| | - T von Lengerke
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Medical Psychology, Hannover, Germany.
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Soma M, Scebold J, Vasa A, Fitzgerald TA, Tyner K, Lalam SK, Beach S, Ashraf MS. Resources needed by critical access hospitals to address identified infection prevention and control program gaps. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2024; 4:e34. [PMID: 38500715 PMCID: PMC10945943 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2024.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Objective The study examined resources needed by Infection Preventionists (IP) to address infection prevention and control (IPC) program gaps. Design A 49-question survey. Setting Licensed Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in Federal Emergency Management Area (FEMA) Region VII. Participants IP at licensed CAHs. Methods The survey conducted between December 2020 and January 2021 consisted of questions focusing on four categories including IPC program infrastructure, competency-based training, audit and feedback, and identification of high-risk pathogens/serious communicable diseases (HRP/SCD). An IPC score was calculated for each facility by totaling "Yes" responses (which indicate best practices) to 49 main survey questions. Follow-up questions explored the resources needed by the CAHs to implement or further strengthen best practices and mitigate IPC practice gaps. Welch t-test was used to study differences in IPC practice scores between states. Results 50 of 259 (19.3%) CAHs participated in the survey with 37 (14.3%) answering all 49 questions. CAHs responding to all questions had a median IPC score of 35. There was no significant difference between IPC practice scores of CAHs in NE and IA. The top three IPC gaps were absence of drug diversion program (77%), lack of audits and feedback for insertion and maintenance of central venous catheters (76%), and missing laboratory risk assessments to identify tests that can be offered safely for patients under investigation for HRP/SCD (76%). Standardized audit tools, educational resources, and staff training materials were cited as much-needed resources. Conclusion IPC practice gaps exist in CAHs. Various resources are needed for gap mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounica Soma
- National Infection Control and Strengthening Collaborative, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
- Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jody Scebold
- National Infection Control and Strengthening Collaborative, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
- Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Angela Vasa
- National Infection Control and Strengthening Collaborative, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Teresa Ann Fitzgerald
- Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kate Tyner
- National Infection Control and Strengthening Collaborative, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
- Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Satya Kumar Lalam
- Biomedical Informatics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sue Beach
- National Infection Control and Strengthening Collaborative, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Muhammad Salman Ashraf
- National Infection Control and Strengthening Collaborative, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
- Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
- Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Program, Division of Public Health, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Lincoln, NE, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Kunkel MC, Applebaum R, Nelson M. Strategies to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Ohio Nursing Home Staff. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:1510-1517. [PMID: 36165713 PMCID: PMC9619465 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Despite federal legislation requiring nursing home (NH) staff members to be vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), unvaccinated staff pose an ongoing public health risk. The research question guiding this study is as follows: What is the relationship between strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and vaccination rates among staff? We used the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory as a theoretical framework. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The sample (N = 627) included Ohio-based NHs. Using national and state NH data, multivariable linear regression techniques demonstrated the relationship between strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and vaccination rates among NH staff. RESULTS Peer counseling and providing sick time or time off for vaccine symptoms were both statistically significant strategies. Compared to facilities that did not engage in peer counseling, those that did saw an average increase of 3.2% of their staff vaccinated. Those that provided sick time or time off saw an average increase of 3.9% of their staff vaccinated. There was no statistically significant relationship between hiring full- or part-time facility infection preventionists and vaccination rates. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS In order to foster vaccine confidence among long-term services staff, peer counseling, and providing sick time or time off are examples of strategies that can affect vaccination rates among staff. According to DOI, these strategies target the communication channels and social systems of an organization. While this study focuses on NHs, results remain critically important to the remainder of the long-term services system, which does not have vaccine requirements similar to the NH industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda C Kunkel
- Miami University, Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - Robert Applebaum
- Miami University, Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Oxford, Ohio, USA
- Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - Matt Nelson
- Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
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Anderson JA, Kisel T, Montoya MM, Campbell KM. Locally Connected Underrepresented Minority Faculty in Academic Medicine. South Med J 2023; 116:750-752. [PMID: 37657782 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Anderson
- From the Department of Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Tibor Kisel
- From the Department of Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Melissa M Montoya
- the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, El Paso
| | - Kendall M Campbell
- From the Department of Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
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Jeong SY, Kim OS. Development and Application of an Educational-Training Programme for Infection Control Practitioners in Long-Term Care Hospitals. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11040542. [PMID: 36833076 PMCID: PMC9957071 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11040542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Elderly persons are at risk of infection due to underlying diseases and weak immune systems. All elderly persons do not require hospitalization in LTCHs, even if have chronic illness or weakened immune systems, but they require care in long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) that have well-trained infection control practitioners (ICPs). This study aimed to develop an educational-training programme for ICPs working in LTCHs using the Developing A Curriculum (DACUM) method. Based on the results of the literature review and the DACUM committee workshop, 12 duties and 51 tasks of ICPs were identified. A total of 209 ICPs participated in the survey, rating 12 duties and 51 tasks on a 5-point scale in terms of frequency, importance, and difficulty. An educational-training programme consisting of five modules was developed, focusing on tasks higher than the mean for each of frequency (2.71 ± 0.64), importance (3.90 ± 0.05), and difficulty (3.67 ± 0.44). Twenty nine ICPs participated in a pilot educational-training programme. The mean programme satisfaction level was 93.23 (standard deviation: ±3.79 points) out of 100 points. The average total knowledge and skill scores were significantly higher after the programme (26.13 ± 1.09, 24.91 ± 2.46, respectively) than before the programme (18.89 ± 2.39, 13.98 ± 3.56, respectively) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). This programme will improve the knowledge and skills of ICPs, and thereby contribute to the reduction in healthcare-associated infections in LTCHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Young Jeong
- College of Nursing, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Og Son Kim
- Department of Nursing, Gangseo University, Seoul 07630, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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Ni K, Jin D, Wu Z, Sun L, Lu Q. The status of infection prevention and control structures in Eastern China based on the IPCAF tool of the World Health Organization. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:46. [PMID: 35264208 PMCID: PMC8905555 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-022-01087-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the spread of antimicrobial resistance can be potentially preventable through comprehensive infection prevention and control (IPC) programs. However, information on the current state of IPC implementation is rare in China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zhejiang province, China, from April to June 2021. The Zhejiang nosocomial infection control and quality improvement center (NICQI) cooperated with 11 municipal NICQI centers to introduce the purpose of this study and invite all licensed secondary and tertiary hospitals in Zhejiang province through WeChat group. The questionnaire had three sections, including information about participating hospitals, demographic information about IPs, and the Chinese version of the Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework that covered eight core components (CC).
Results Of the 382 hospitals invited, 222 (58.1% response rate) accepted and completed the online questionnaire. The overall median score of the participating hospitals was 682 (630–723), which corresponded to an advanced level of IPC. There was a significant difference in scores between hospitals types (P < 0.001). Profound differences were revealed regarding the scores of the individual components, with CC2 (IPC guidelines) and CC6 (Monitoring/audit of IPC practices and feedback) having the highest (100) and lowest (65) median scores, respectively. Only 23 (10.4%) hospitals reported assessing facility safety culture. Conclusions IPC structures are at a relatively high level in acute care hospitals in Eastern China. The identified potential areas for improvement were similar to those identified in developed countries, particularly regarding multimodal strategies for implementation and safety culture construction. Meanwhile, the Chinese government should pay more attention to IPC resources and practices among secondary care hospitals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-022-01087-x.
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