The Targeted Assessment for Prevention (TAP) strategy is a method developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to use data for action to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The TAP strategy is a way to identify facilities or units within a facility with the highest excess numbers of infections, so that prevention efforts may be directed towards facilities or units in greatest need of improvement.
The TAP report function is now available in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) application. The TAP report function allows NHSN users to identify facilities or units with excess numbers of infections compared to a predicted number based on the HHS Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR) targets for catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), and central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). This information can help staff know where assistance with prevention of HAIs is needed most.
Learn more:
Targeted Assessment for Prevention (TAP) StrategyNHSN Training Slides: Running TAP Reports in NHSN NHSN Technical Documents: TAP Reports for the Facility User
Source: CDC
Happy Hand Hygiene Day! Rethinking Glove Use for Safer, Cleaner, and More Ethical Health Care
May 5th 2025Despite their protective role, gloves are often misused in health care settings—undermining hand hygiene, risking patient safety, and worsening environmental impact. Alexandra Peters, PhD, points out that this misuse deserves urgent attention, especially today, World Hand Hygiene Day.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.