The APIC research agenda: results from a national survey

Research is an integral component of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Strategic Plan 2020. As the role of the infection preventionist (IP) has evolved toward consumers and implementers of research, it becomes increasingly necessary to assess which topics require further evidence and how best APIC can assist IPs. In 2010, APIC determined that the research priorities first described in 2000 needed to be re-evaluated.

A 33-question Web-based survey was developed and distributed via e-mail to APIC members in March 2011. The survey contained sections inquiring about respondents' demographics, familiarity with implementation science, and infection prevention research priorities. Priorities identified by a Delphi study 10 years ago were re-ranked, and open-ended items were used to identify new research priorities and understand how APIC could best serve its members in relation to research.

Seven hundred one members responded. Behavioral management science, surveillance standards, and infection prevention resource optimization were the highest ranked priorities and relatively unchanged from 2000. Proposed additional research topics focused on achieving standardization in infection prevention practices and program resource allocation. The majority of respondents described APIC's role in the field of research as a disseminator of low-cost, highly accessible education to its members.

This report should be used as a roadmap for APIC leadership as it provides suggestions on how APIC may best direct the association's research program. The major research priorities described and ranked in 2000 continue to challenge IPs. APIC can best serve its members by disseminating research findings in a cost-effective and easily accessed manner. Recurrent assessments of research priorities can help guide researchers and policy makers and help determine which topics will best support successful infection prevention processes and outcomes.