Join Us in Celebrating International Infection Preventionist Day!

Happy International Infection Preventionist Day!

(Graphic courtesy of APIC)

International Infection Preventionist Day is an annual observance on the first Friday in April that celebrates the crucial role of infection preventionists in safeguarding public health. This day is a tribute to the professionals who dedicate their time and effort to minimizing the risk of infections in various settings.

Infection preventionists (IPs) are specialists trained to identify, control, and prevent infections in different environments, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and workplaces. These experts work tirelessly to ensure that patients, health care providers, and visitors are protected from the spread of infections.

IPs come from various backgrounds, including nursing, public health, laboratory science, and allied health. They are leaders, educators, and collaborators who work with health care providers, policymakers, and the public to promote best practices in infection prevention.

Today, during my conversation with other IPs at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, I reflected with Jenna Rivers, MPH, CPH, CIC; she told Infection Control Today® (ICT®), “Despite the occasional tedium of our job, we must remain committed to continuously exploring innovative approaches to limit infection risks, enhance patient safety, improve outcomes, and support the best-practice of our clinical team members in health care.”

One critical role of IPs is ensuring that health care workers wash their hands regularly. Hand hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of infections, and IPs work to educate health care workers on the proper technique and timing for handwashing.

Other roles include the following:

• IPs also ensure that health care workers receive the appropriate vaccinations, such as flu shots, to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.
• Another essential aspect of IP's work is to monitor the appropriate use of antibiotics. IPs work with doctors and pharmacists to ensure that patients receive the right antibiotics for their condition and that these medications are used appropriately to avoid the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• To reduce the risk of infections associated with catheters or indwelling devices, IPs ensure that these devices are placed in a sterile environment and are kept clean. IPs also work to ensure that catheters are removed as soon as possible to minimize the risk of infection.
• Safe injection practices are another critical area of focus for IPs. They work to ensure that health care workers follow proper procedures for injecting medications, including using sterile equipment and properly disposing of sharps.
• IPs also ensure that health care workers wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gowns, and masks, at the appropriate times to minimize the spread of infections.
• A unique role for infection preventionists is their involvement with health care construction and renovation. Patricia Tomasini, MPH, LPN, a-IPC, CPhT, RPhT, an infection prevention specialist, told ICT, “There is a level of gratification knowing that you are helping to promote the safety of patients and their environment by reducing the risk of potential environmental contamination. To access risks associated with facility projects, we use ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessments).”
• Finally, IPs work to ensure that patient rooms and equipment used in their care are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This includes monitoring the use of disinfectants and ensuring that they are used appropriately to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses.

Overall, IPs play a crucial role in promoting patient safety and preventing infections in health care settings. Their work helps to protect patients and health care workers and ensures that everyone receives safe and effective care.

I also spoke with Garik Nicholson, MPH, CIC, a former epidemiology program manager at the Florida Department of Health and a current infection preventionist at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. He stated. “At the end of the day, an effective infection preventionist collaborates well and seeks opportunities for partnerships within the hospital system to protect patients, staff, and visitors.”

For more information regarding the role of infection preventionists and on International Infection Preventionist Day, visit APIC’s website: https://apic.org/celebrate-international-infection-preventionist-day-2023/