Science-Based Strategies Take Aim at HAIs

Infection preventionist Marsha Patrick, speaking on behalf of APIC, reminded those present at the press conference that APIC’s members have been among the ones bringing the science to the bedside and the ones working with hospital staff to reduce the risk of infection.

“Infection prevention is everyone’s business,” Patrick said. “The C-suite sets the tone for the entire organization.” Patrick explained that at her four-hospital system, they have gone from just one or two infection control practitioners, to six people. “Our CEO gets it,” Patrick said. “It’s a top-down effect, and programs must be adequately resourced by organizational leadership.”

Patrick reminded attendees that there must be buy-in by all stakeholders for infection prevention strategies to work. “We must get everyone on board with evidence-based guidelines. We know the best practices but we have to get them down at the bedside. But we must be adequately resourced, because our patients deserve good outcomes. It’s unfortunate that it has taken the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to withdraw reimbursement to get the C-suite’s attention, but it takes what it takes.”