Recommendations for optimizing an infection control practitioner's effectiveness in an ambulatory care setting

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Infection Control
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• The increasing shift towards ambulatory care settings necessitates an evolving role for Infection Control Practitioners (ICPs).
• Mandated regulations, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, have significantly increased ICP workload.
• Current ICP responsibilities are expanding within diverse healthcare environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the current workload distribution of ICPs in ambulatory care.
• To identify time-consuming nonclinical tasks performed by ICPs.
• To determine the potential impact of clerical support on ICP efficiency and infection control program effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of ICP time allocation in ambulatory care settings.
• Review of mandated governmental regulations impacting ICPs.
• Assessment of nonclinical tasks contributing to ICP workload.

Main Results:

• A significant portion of ICP time is dedicated to clerical and nonclinical tasks.
• The expanding scope of ambulatory care and regulatory requirements contribute to increased ICP workload.
• Current ICP time allocation may not be optimal for essential infection control activities.

Conclusions:

• Clerical support is crucial for optimizing ICP time in ambulatory care.
• Delegating nonclinical tasks can allow ICPs to focus on critical infection control functions.
• Implementing clerical support can lead to a more cost-effective infection control program.