The Growing Need for a Multidisciplinary Approach in Infection Prevention and Control
As I attended the APIC conference in Orlando, one realization became abundantly clear: the field of infection prevention and control is undergoing rapid growth in workload and scope. Historically, the responsibility of developing and implementing infection prevention and control programs fell solely on dedicated staff members who often juggled multiple roles and duties within their healthcare settings. However, in my experience as an infection preventionist in the Greater Toronto Area over the past three years, I have witnessed a significant increase in the demands and responsibilities placed on dedicated IPAC leads.
In long-term care homes and dental practices in our area, it is evident that the role of an IPAC lead is far from a one-person job. In fact, it often requires a multidisciplinary team with dedicated roles and responsibilities within the IPAC competencies. Ask any IPAC lead in these settings, and they will emphasize the growing complexity of their role and the need for additional support.
During the conference in Orlando, I had the privilege of observing some of the newest and most innovative staff frameworks for infection control in a post-COVID world. These frameworks showcased a strategic allocation of roles and responsibilities to address the evolving demands of IPAC:
Senior Infection Preventionist – Manager: This role encompasses the execution of all IPAC programs, providing operational oversight and leveraging clinical expertise to drive infection prevention efforts.
Infection Preventionist – Clinical Nurse Lead: The infection preventionist in this role serves as an advanced IPAC generalist, focusing on quality improvement initiatives, educational program development, and mentorship of staff members.
IPAC Consultant – Quality Specialist: The IPAC consultant takes an active part in leading projects aimed at designing, modifying, and implementing processes to improve quality, safety, and value. They also provide support for data analytics and reporting related to IPAC.
Upon reviewing the implementation and value of this multidisciplinary structure, it became evident that it enables the IPAC team to tackle complex problems, respond effectively to emerging diseases, and enhance IPAC’s presence in clinical care areas. The division of responsibilities ensures that each member can focus on their specialized areas, contributing to a more comprehensive and efficient infection prevention and control program.
Given the increasing demands placed on IPAC leads, it is crucial to support them by hiring additional personnel who can share the workload and take on responsibilities that cannot be feasibly achieved by one individual within a regular workday. It is time for Canada to recognize the importance of relieving the burden on IPAC leads and invest in the necessary resources to enhance infection prevention and control efforts nationwide.
The APIC conference experience in Orlando shed light on the growing complexity and expanding scope of infection prevention and control. It highlighted the need for a multidisciplinary approach that recognizes the diverse responsibilities and expertise required to effectively address emerging challenges in IPAC. By allocating roles and responsibilities strategically and providing necessary support, healthcare organizations can empower their IPAC teams to meet the evolving demands of infection prevention and control, ultimately enhancing patient safety and outcomes. Let us come together to lighten the load on our dedicated IPAC leads and pave the way for a stronger, more resilient healthcare system in Canada.
