Meet Infection Control Today's Editorial Advisory Board Member: Rebecca Leach, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC

Rebecca Leach, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC

Introducing the Infection Control Today's (ICT's) Editorial Board members—a diverse group of professionals dedicated to advancing infection prevention and control practices. This series highlights each member's unique expertise and contributions to the field.

From groundbreaking research to innovative strategies, these experts are at the forefront of enhancing health care safety. Join us as we learn their insights, experiences, and visions for the future, providing valuable knowledge and inspiration to elevate infection control protocols.

In this installment, we hear from Rebecca Leach, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC, the system manager of infection prevention for CommonSpirit Health.

ICT: What has your journey been in health care/infection prevention:

Rebecca Leach, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC: I started my public health career as an epidemiologist. I initially focused on women's reproductive health, working at a state health department. Then, I moved to a position at a Tribal Epidemiology Center. I enjoyed working with Tribal communities, advocating for them, and building local capacity by training tribal health departments on epidemiology concepts and how to analyze and use their data to tell their stories and obtain funding for important public health programs.

After several years working as an epidemiologist, I returned to school to obtain a nursing degree. I wanted to be closer to the patients and see how I could impact outcomes more directly. During nursing school, I learned about infection prevention and what that role plays in acute care facilities. That was when I knew exactly what I wanted to do as a nurse.

After I graduated and passed my boards, I worked as a bedside nurse for a year and then had an opportunity to move into an infection control position at a small urban health system. In this role, I had the privilege of being mentored by a veteran infection preventionist with years of experience and knowledge that she generously shared with me. I saw firsthand how she interacted with the clinical and non-clinical staff, patients, and hospital leadership. She taught me the basic concept I apply for every position I've had since infection prevention is everyone's responsibility. As IP professionals, we build relationships and collaborate to help everyone see how they can improve patient outcomes. Over the years, I have worked at all levels of infection prevention in healthcare facilities, learning more with each job and always building knowledge and skills. Eventually, I obtained leadership positions as manager, director, and now as a system manager for the largest faith-based health care organization in the US.

ICT: What are the trends you see in infection control and prevention?

RL: One trend in infection prevention and health care in general is the movement away from acute care to ambulatory space. More and more services are being offered in outpatient settings, and hospitals are transitioning to meet that need. IPs need to expand their knowledge to outpatient settings, subacute care, mental health settings, and long-term care.

• Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic showed the importance of biopreparedness and the key collaboration with emergency preparedness, environmental services and facility leadership to understand how the built environment impacts infection prevention. The new Joint Commission standard for high-consequence disease further demonstrates the national focus on emerging pathogens and healthcare preparedness for future outbreaks or epidemics.
• Instrument reprocessing will continue to be a key high-risk area in which IPs need to build expertise. As the requirements for reprocessing become more high-level, such as sterilization for endoscopes, we know that technology and workflows will become more complex.
• One last trend or area I see becoming more important is the education and training of infection preventionists. We realize that there is a potential shortage as the more seasoned professionals near retirement age. This gives an opportunity to develop recruitment, education, and training for non-traditional backgrounds, increase the diversity of the field, and further enhance the profession overall.

ICT: What topics would you like to see in ICT in the next 18 months?

RL:

• Overview of emerging AI technologies and how IPs at all levels can utilize
• Ambulatory and non-traditional areas where IPs can expand roles and develop best practices
• Advocacy efforts IPs can participate in that focus on health disparities, policy, and professional practice
• How complex instructions for use can be improved for less risk associated with instrument cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization