Developing a model to assess optimum infection control workforce in acute care settings

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited research exists on infection prevention and control (IPC) personnel numbers and optimal team composition.
• Assessing the capacity of IPC teams is crucial for effective healthcare-associated infection (HAI) control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the staffing levels and composition of IPC teams in English acute National Health Service (NHS) hospitals.
• To explore the relationship between IPC workforce capacity, hospital size, and HAI surveillance data.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to acute NHS hospital organizations in England via Freedom of Information requests.
• Data collected included numbers of IPC personnel, weekly hours, and availability of clinical microbiology and antibiotic pharmacist support.
• Statistical analysis explored correlations between workforce capacity, inpatient population, and HAI surveillance data.

Main Results:

• 137 (85%) NHS organizations responded, reporting 1-16 IPC nurses per organization.
• 33.6% received no clinical microbiology sessions, and 8% had inadequate input.
• Only 78.1% employed an antibiotic pharmacist, and few teams reported sufficient managerial or administrative support.

Conclusions:

• Despite increased focus on IPC in the UK, many IPC teams appear to be underresourced.
• Understaffing and lack of support may hinder effective prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections.