The infection control audit: the standardized audit as a tool for change

Area of Science:

• Healthcare-associated infection prevention
• Clinical quality improvement
• Public health

Background:

• Healthcare worker compliance with infection control is crucial for disease prevention.
• Infection control audits are essential tools but often lack systematic implementation.
• Standardized audits can improve healthcare quality and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a standardized infection control audit process.
• To assess the effectiveness of a systematic audit in improving infection control practices.
• To identify key areas for improvement in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Developed a standardized infection control audit format.
• Included review of physical layout, protocols, policies, knowledge, and practices.
• Conducted 17 audits over 13 years, involving 1525 employees.

Main Results:

• 401 staff questionnaires assessed understanding of standard precautions.
• 257 recommendations were made, with 95% implementation rate.
• Key improvements focused on supply separation, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning.

Conclusions:

• Standardized infection control audits facilitate change and remedial actions.
• Audits enable benchmarking and enhance the overall standard of care.
• Collaborative implementation with departments improves outcomes.