The Role of the Infection Preventionist in the ASC CASA Gail Harris, RN, MS, MA, CIC

Objectives Describe the important components of an IP job description Identify opportunities for IP teamwork and delegation List additional resources available to ASCs for ongoing IP education

What does an IP do in an ASC? Let’s be blatantly honest: Without CMS requirements, there would be far fewer IPs in ASCs. And we can probably “blame” Nevada for that although it was inevitable!

IP “duties” in an ASC Regulations: mandatory CMS State Accreditations: voluntary….sort of AAAHC TJC AAAASF Others

The IP of Today “Infection prevention and control practitioners have a key role to play in scanning the environment for new and emerging threats to safety, as well as improving the safety and quality of care delivered to individuals and populations. They provide colleagues across all health and social case settings with robust clinical expertise, advice, support and guidance so that they can work in partnership to prevent, manage and control healthcare associated infections.” Emma Burnett, J Infection prevention, February 2011

APIC and IPAC: Professional &Practice Standards Infection prevention and control practice Epidemiology Surveillance Education Consultation Friedman, C, et al. Am J Infect Control 2008; 36: 385-9. Occupational Health Performance improvement Fiscal responsibility Program administration and evaluation Research

APIC Competency Model Four Domains: Leadership and Program Management Technical/Technology Infection Prevention and Control Performance Improvement and Implementation Science

Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Analysis of 2014: Identification of infectious disease processes Surveillance and epidemiologic investigation Preventing and controlling the transmission of infectious agents Employee and occupational health Management and communication Education and Research Environment of care Cleaning, sterilization, disinfection and asepsis LJ Henman et al, Amer J Infect Control: 43 (2015) 664-8.

Where to Begin? How competent am I to do this job? What do I already have in place? What support do I already have? What resources do I already have? It is import to take stock of these things and start on a positive note!

After resource assessment, what’s next? Do NOT try to do/fix everything in one day. Do NOT try to do/fix everything in one week. DO take the time to make an organized plan of action to effect any change. Do NOT plan to do this alone.

Concrete steps Conduct your risk assessment Prioritize the needs of your organization Identify the “urgent” needs Do not attempt this by yourself Identify a champion or champions to assist you Identify a small group of influential leaders and/or others committed to patient safety Develop your plan

Attitude “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” Charles Swindoll What is your attitude towards the work to be done? You are in charge of your attitude….and your attitude is as contagious as measles!!

Teamwork “Leaders who work most effectively think ‘team.’ They accept that responsibility….but ‘we’ gets the credit. This is what creates trust, what enables you to get the task done.” Peter Drucker Even if you are the only person in the IP position, you must develop a team to accomplish this work.

Barriers to Change Unexpected changes in external conditions A lack of commitment in implementation Resistance of the people involved Lack of resources Conflicting goals or priorities From Dagmar Recklies

Leading Change Before implementing change, you need to convince people that change is needed Never, never underestimate the power of complacency John Kotter

Change Leadership “I think of a hero (leader) as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.” Bob Dylan

Skills Needed to Lead Change Commitment to the plan Attitude Realistic goal setting Communication skills Influencing skills Flexibility Ability to stimulate motivation in follow through

How do I become (more) competent? CASA: Education programs Mentors Resources Networking

How do I become (more) competent? APIC Local chapter meetings Mentors Networking APIC Competency Model for the IP Roadmap for the Novice IP Spring Infection Preventionist Apic.org/roadmap CBIC: maybe a more long-term goal

What else can I do? Network, network, network Read!!!! Review information presented in this program Review resources Participate in ed prgms. Build “soft skills”

Summary Infection prevention involves personal goals for learning. It is a “team sport” and requires the involvement of many people in each setting. Leadership skills are essential…and attitude is contagious! Learn the technical parts of the infection prevention program but also develop your “soft skills.” Most of all, have fun as you grow and learn…….and make patients and staff safer!

References Friedman, C, et al. Requirements for infrastructure and essential activities of infection control and epidemiology in out-of-hospital settings; A Consensus Panel report, Am J Infect Control 1999; 27:418-30. Burnett E. Outcome competencies for practitioners in infection prevention and control: Infection Prevention Society and Competency Steering Group. J Infect Prevention. 7 February 2011. Available at: http://bji.sagepub.com/content/12/2/67.

References Friedman, C, et al. APIC/Chica- Canada infection prevention, control, and epidemiology: Professional and practice standards. Am J Infect Control 2008; 36: 385-389 Murphy DM, et al. Competency in infection prevention: A conceptual approach to guide current and future practice. Am J Infect Control 2012; 40:296-303 APIC Infection Preventionist Competency Model. Available at: http://apic.org/Professioinal-Practice/Infection_preventionist_IP_competency_model

References APIC. Developmental path of the IP Available at: http://apic.org/Professional-Practice/roadmap Henman, LJ, et al. Identifying changes in the role of the infection preventionist through the 2014 practice analysis study conducted by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Am J Infect Control 43 (2015) 664-8

Questions?