APIC Establishes Research Priorities to Advance Infection Prevention Field
late September , the Association for Professionals
In in Infection Control and Epidemiology ( APIC ) announced its comprehensive , cross-disciplinary research agenda that reflects the topics considered to be most important to the field of frontline infection prevention and control ( IP & C ).
In a report titled Research Gaps Impacting the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control , APIC ’ s newly re-established Center for Research , Practice & Innovation ( CRPI ) outlined the topics crucial to advancing the practice of infection prevention and control . The initial priorities are :
• Determining optimal IP staffing models
• Improving hand hygiene collection practices
• Exploring the relationship between health equity and healthcare-associated infections ( HAIs )
• Determining drivers for infection preventionist ( IP ) attrition and burnout
“ We are excited to introduce our new research priorities to advance the infection prevention and control field ,” said 2024 APIC president Tania Bubb , PhD , RN , CIC , FAPIC , in a statement . “ Through this ambitious agenda , we hope to improve our understanding of effective strategies to minimize disease transmission , prevent healthcare-associated infections , and save lives .”
The APIC research agenda outlines opportunities for partner organizations with infection prevention interests and goals . Through CRPI , APIC seeks to partner with other organizations and institutions with infection prevention and patient safety interests to help fill research gaps and align IP & C research based on the priorities APIC has put forward .
“ This is the most expansive research agenda APIC has ever developed , and it is the first agenda built around the needs of working IPs ,” said APIC ’ s CEO Devin Jopp , EdD , in a statement . “ We look forward to working with others in the infection prevention and control industry to fill knowledge gaps , inform infection prevention practice , and equip our IP workforce for the challenges of the future .”
APIC ’ s research agenda is the result of a year-long process involving an expert advisory panel summit , member feedback and surveys , and input from multiple key organizations and associations whose work involves infection prevention and control . The development of the research agenda occurred between March and August 2024 .
According to APIC ’ s report , there were 126 responses from members on the first membership survey , a prioritization survey of the research subtopics , including 61 infection preventionists ( IPs ), 37 IP leaders , seven corporate IP leaders and various other professionals . Respondents reported working in varied care settings , including acute-care hospitals , ambulatory clinics , long-term care ( skilled nursing facilities ), home health ,
20 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • october 2024