Competency in infection prevention: a conceptual approach to guide current and future practice

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Professional competency traditionally includes knowledge and skills, but broader definitions now incorporate communication, values, reasoning, and teamwork.
• A universally accepted definition of professional competency remains elusive.
• Infection preventionist (IP) competencies are often inconsistently defined in job descriptions, leading to practice variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive conceptual model for infection preventionist (IP) competency applicable across all practice settings.
• To provide a forward-thinking framework emphasizing critical areas for IP expertise in the next 3-5 years.
• To complement existing competency models and support infection prevention as a global patient safety mission.

Main Methods:

• The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. developed a conceptual model for IP competency.
• The model is intended for use with existing organizational training and evaluation tools.
• The study references external resources like the CHICA-Canada skill assessment and IPS competency model.

Main Results:

• A conceptual model for infection preventionist (IP) competency has been established.
• The model defines current best practices and anticipates future needs in infection prevention.
• It aims for broad applicability in diverse healthcare settings.

Conclusions:

• The developed conceptual model provides a standardized framework for infection preventionist (IP) competency.
• This model supports the advancement of infection prevention practice and global patient safety.
• It encourages a unified approach to IP expertise worldwide.