Designing an optimal infection prevention service: Part 2

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Public Health

Background:

• Infection prevention and control (IPC) services are crucial for preventing healthcare-associated infections and enhancing healthcare quality.
• Significant variability exists in IPC service structures and delivery models across the UK and Ireland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define an optimal IPC service model tailored for diverse contexts and settings within the UK and Ireland.
• To establish consensus on the essential components of effective IPC programs.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining discussion huddles with IPC teams and the Nominal Group Technique.
• Exploration of IPC program components through group discussions involving 53 participants.
• Consensus-building on optimal IPC service design using the Nominal Group Technique.

Main Results:

• Key themes identified include IPC service priorities, critical success enablers, and necessary skills/expertise.
• Discussion huddles yielded 45 responses on IPC priorities and 69 on success enablers.
• A conceptual model for designing optimal IPC services was developed.

Conclusions:

• The developed conceptual model can guide the design and implementation of IPC services at various levels (international to local).
• Emphasis on embedding identified enablers into IPC services and broader healthcare settings is crucial for successful implementation.