Affiliation of Infection Prevention Professionals: A Model for Improving Infection Control in Ambulatory Care Settings

ISSUE: The 2004 New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) Ambulatory Care Regulations require that each state licensed ambulatory care facility develop and implement an infection control program that is overseen by an infection control professional (ICP) who is certified by the Certification Board of Infection Control. PROJECT: Several experienced, certified ICPʹs in the northern New Jersey area formed an affiliated consultant group with the goal of providing quality, consistent infection control programs for ambulatory care centers. Services may include initial and periodic worksite inspections, development and/or review of the facilityʹs infection control plan, policies, procedures, recordkeeping, educational programs and phone consultation as needed. Potential clients are matched with ICPʹs depending on interest and experience in specific ambulatory care services such as surgery, endoscopy, renal services, or radiology. The ambulatory care center and the ICP design a contract specifying the services that meet the clientʹs needs. Worksite inspections and phone consultation or coverage are provided by individual ICPʹs. Policy manuals and educational programs are developed using the group expertise of several ICPʹs with experience in the specific service areas. The group is comprised of both fulltime consultants, and ICPʹs who subcontract on a part-time basis. The affiliated consultants are marketed through professional websites as well as word of mouth. By including several members throughout the state, the group is able to offer services to facilities across a wide geographical area. RESULTS: Using the affiliated approach, to date the group has assisted over forty outpatient facilities in fulfilling state licensure requirements by providing access to infection control programs developed and supported by certified ICPʹs. For the consultant, the group approach reduces individual costs for resources, legal fees, and operating expenses, and permits flexibility for members to determine the amount of time they wish to devote to consulting. LESSONS LEARNED: As more state and federal regulating and accrediting agencies place greater emphasis on requirements for certified ICPʹs in various outpatient settings, infection prevention professionals must collaborate to provide standardized infection control programs in an efficient, cost-effective manner.