APIC 2024 Update
What ’ s New and Notable in IP & C Practice Guidance
By Kelly M . Pyrek
In a presentation at the annual conference of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology ( APIC ), Bethany Phillips , MLS ( ASCP ) CM , MPH , CIC , HACP-IC , FAPIC , and Jennifer A . Ormsby , DNP , RN , CPN , CIC , CPNP-PC , explained the role of APIC ’ s Practice Guidance Committee ( PGC ) and provided an overview of its priorities for the year .
The co-presenters explained that the PGC compiles , assesses , develops and influences guidelines and standards related to the practice of infection prevention and control . This committee provides a means within APIC to guide and inform the membership on practice issues and recommends official positions on standards , guidelines and other pertinent documents affecting the practice of infection prevention and control
“ The purposes of the practice guidance committee is to look at what guidance is out there , assess the guidance , develop guidance and then influence guidance , as well as inform our members on what ’ s going on . We also endorse official position statements on standards and guidelines ,” Phillips explained . “ We also keep everyone aware inside and outside APIC of what our stance is . It ’ s important for infection preventionists to be able to have a voice in our practice . Our main plan for PGC is to serve as a liaison to external organizations . We review guidelines and standards and then we also work to create and revise guidance as it comes available .”
One of the more significant projects undertaken by the PGC is the development of a document , Ten Key Points the Infection Preventionist Needs to Know about USP < 797 >, published in August 2023 and designed to serve as a guide for infection preventionists ( IPs ) on updates to USP < 797 > prior to the go-live date on Nov . 1 , 2023 . The goal of USP < 797 > is to reduce risks of contamination , infection or incorrect dosing . Included in the updated < 797 > document are updates to compounding sterile preparations ( CSP ) categories based on risk of contamination ; as well as the topics of training and education ; specific donning / doffing PPE instructions ; an increase in environmental sampling ; as well as cleaning / disinfection in the compounding pharmacy .
“ The document reviews what training and education everybody needs to be able to enter a compounding area ,” explained Ormsby . “ That includes IPs who might be auditing in those areas and how to don and doff PPE properly . It goes over instructions for using reusable gowns versus single-use gowns , etc .”
Another important tool created by the GPC is Ten Key Points the Infection Preventionist
The purposes of the practice guidance committee is to look at what guidance is out there , assess the guidance , develop guidance and then influence guidance , guide as well as inform our members on what ’ s going on . We also endorse official position statements on standards and guidelines .” — Bethany Phillips , MLS ( ASCP ) CM , MPH , CIC , HACP-IC , FAPIC
14 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • july 2024