Performance improvement and implementation science: infection prevention competencies for current and future role...

Area of Science:

• Infection Control and Epidemiology
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Implementation Science

Background:

• The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) first established an infection preventionist (IP) competency model in 2011.
• The model is grounded in patient safety, professional standards, and research-backed core competencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain the significance of performance improvement (PI) and implementation science (IS) for IP roles.
• To discuss the integration and differentiation of PI and IS within the evolving IP competency model.
• To address challenges in IP role development, including role delineation and compression.

Main Methods:

• Review of the APIC IP competency model.
• Analysis of the strategic goals of APIC, including its 2020 plan.
• Discussion of emerging issues and trends relevant to IP practice.

Main Results:

• Performance improvement (PI) and implementation science (IS) are identified as key forward-focused domains for IP competency.
• The integration of IS aligns with APIC's research objectives.
• New competencies are required for IPs to effectively utilize PI and IS.

Conclusions:

• The evolving role of IPs necessitates the acquisition of skills in PI and IS.
• Addressing challenges like role compression is crucial for successful competency development.
• Future IP roles will benefit from the strategic integration of PI and IS principles.