A collaborative approach to reduce healthcare-associated infections

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continue to be an ongoing issue for patients in acute hospital settings. Effectively preventing and controlling HAIs requires a collaborative approach compelling all healthcare staff to take up responsibilities and be involved. A surgical ward in an acute hospital aimed to implement comprehensive HAI prevention strategies by applying both Kotter's eight-step change model and the practice development principles into its current system. The project motivated staff to be involved and engaged in the assessment, implementation and evaluation of the project processes, and take ownership of the practice change. It focused on ensuring a clean environment, improving hand hygiene compliance, increasing staff's knowledge base regarding HAIs and enhancing active surveillance. The project achieved success in the reduction and prevention of HAIs as well as the development of a sustainable workplace culture.