Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
Author Spotlight: Evaluating Clinicians' Adoption of Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Cannulation Through Simulation Training
Published on: August 9, 2024
Variability in orientation and training among Texas infection preventionists and its impact on CIC preparedness
Kayla E Ruch1, Anabel Rodriguez2, Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner3
1School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX; Department of Epidemiology, and Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute, Houston, TX.
Background:
Infection preventionists (IPs) are critical to reducing healthcare-associated infections, yet orientation and training remain inconsistent. CIC is the professional standard, but variability in training may affect exam preparedness and certification outcomes.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey of 128 Texas IPs (October 2023-January 2024) evaluated training experiences, CIC certification status, and resource utilization. Logistic regression identified predictors of exam preparedness and certification.
Results:
Of respondents, 60.3% were CIC certified, although 58.5% reported feeling unprepared for the exam. On-the-job training was the primary method across most competency areas. Rural IPs were significantly less likely to be certified compared with urban peers (OR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.14-7.82; P = .026). Inadequate training predicted failure to achieve certification (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.67; P = .008). Use of the APIC and Epidemiology Roadmap and APIC and Epidemiology Text was associated with greater perceived preparedness.
Conclusions:
Training gaps, particularly in rural settings, limit CIC readiness. Expanding access to structured educational programs and standardized resources may improve certification success and strengthen the infection prevention workforce.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...