APIC Supports HHS "Partnership for Patients" Initiative

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has issued a statement strongly supporting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced Partnership for Patients initiative. The statement is as follows:

"APIC shares the two primary goals of the Partnership: to keep hospital patients from getting sicker and to help patients heal without complication. Every year, nearly 2 million U.S. patients develop a healthcare-associated infection (HAI) as a result of their medical care. APICs mission is to improve patient safety by reducing the risk of infection and other adverse events. Since 1972, APIC has provided thought leadership on infection prevention to drive attention to the critical need to protect patients from HAIs and is an authority in the application of evidence-based, infection control measures. Our 14,000 members work with bedside caregivers to promote the implementation of best practices in infection prevention and patient safety and advise clinical teams on improved care processes to eliminate preventable harm.

"APIC believes that every healthcare institution should be working toward HAI elimination. Many of our member facilities have seen that certain infections can be reduced to zero, and that in many instances, "zero" can be maintained. Reducing infections also conserves healthcare resources by decreasing excess length-of-stay and associated costs.

"Continued progress is contingent upon sustained focus and resources. Therefore, APIC is encouraged by the governments announcement of significant new funding to support the spread of best practices to help us reach these critical patient safety goals.

"APIC has signed the Patient Safety Pledge and is urging our members to sign as well. We offer our full support to help healthcare providers ensure that preventable infections are eliminated and that the best possible care is delivered to every patient, every time."