An important opportunity for IPs at all levels to learn about new infection prevention products, and
develop relationships with industry partners, occurs annually during conferences including the annual
meetings of APIC and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
it’s helpful to be prepared with a few standard questions
for vendors such as:
1
2
3
What studies providing evidence of efficacy have
been published in peer reviewed journals and/or
presented at conferences?
Does the data available address reduction of bacte-
rial loads only, or also reduction of infection rates?
Can the vendor connect you with an IP at another
facility using the product with good results?
Industry partners often offer a range of supportive
services that can be leveraged by IP departments to reduce
diversion of constrained IP resources. For instance, since
tracking of compliance with appropriate product use is time
consuming, this is a significant value-added service often
provided by industry partners. Most vendors are also willing
The leading source of science based content
and able to partner with the clinical teams to provide direct
observation, coaching and teaching when new product(s)
are introduced. Collaboration between industry partners
and IP professionals simply makes patients safer.
References:
1. Henry A. Product Evaluation. APIC Text Online Chapter 5; October
3, 2014.
2. Valenti W. Infection control and product evaluation. Infectious Disease
Advisor - Hospital Infection Control. 2017.
3. Conway L et al. Tensions inherent in the evolving role of the infection
preventionist. Am J Infect Control. Vol. 41, No. 11, 959-964.
4. Barnes S, et al The emerging role of the corporate or system-level
infection prevention director for integrated delivery networks. Am J Infect
Control. Vol. 47, No. 6, 638-642.
5. Chlorhexidine Facts: https://chlorhexidinefacts.com/
6. Pyrek K. Injecting the research and resources into infection prevention.
Infection Control Today. May 17, 2018.
7. Humphreys H. New technologies in the prevention and control of health-
care-associated infection, J R Coll Physicians Edinb. 2010 Jun;40(2):161-4.
Expert
Infection
Prevention
Consulting
Available
Sue Barnes, RN, CIC, FAPIC,
IMAGES WORTH SPREADING
s c I E
i e N n C c E e P
p H
ho
om
SC
O t T o O . c . C
OM
10
is an independent clinical consultant, board-
certified in infection prevention and control
(CIC), a fellow of APIC (FAPIC) and co-founder
of the National Corporate IP Director Network.
She currently provides marketing and clinical consultation
to select industry partners who seek to support infection
prevention with innovative products.
Learn more about her services at: www.zeroinfections.org
february 2020 • www.healthcarehygienemagazine.com