Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the infection prevention and control field: Findings from focus groups conducted with association for professionals in infection control &amp; epidemiology (APIC) members in fall 2021

Rebmann, Terri; Holdsworth, Jill; Lugo, Kaeli A.; Alvino, Rebecca T.; Gomel, Ashley

doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2023.02.013

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…It is worth noting that while this was not the desired modality, the programme was nevertheless successfully delivered with most sessions conducted online. Given the increased role requirements and leadership responsibilities of ICPs in the ongoing (and aftermath of the) COVID-19 pandemic (Rebmann et al , 2023), we argue that leadership development programmes for IPAC professionals are a necessary investment, required to strengthen our health-care workforce capacity for preparedness and response to meet ongoing and future infectious disease challenges that will arise.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Background/introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Rebmann et al (2023) found, in the USA, that ICPs experienced increased recognition and involvement in pandemic planning and response, with their roles expanding into more areas, and taking on more responsibilities (Rebmann et al , 2023). These included policy review, service development and approvals, health communications and messaging, and provision of IPAC advice and decision-making (Rebmann et al , 2023). Alongside this expansion, ICPs also experienced the emotional, physical and psychological tolls of providing health care during a pandemic, including burnout, lack of support and resources, and, in some cases, more responsibility without more authority (Rebmann et al , 2023).…”

Section: Background/introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These included policy review, service development and approvals, health communications and messaging, and provision of IPAC advice and decision-making (Rebmann et al , 2023). Alongside this expansion, ICPs also experienced the emotional, physical and psychological tolls of providing health care during a pandemic, including burnout, lack of support and resources, and, in some cases, more responsibility without more authority (Rebmann et al , 2023). The pandemic has added urgency to the need for leadership development opportunities for ICPs.…”

Section: Background/introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Practice development amidst a pandemic: a pilot programme to develop leadership in infection prevention and control professionals

Jain,

Dempsey,

Wilcox

et al. 2023

LHS

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Purpose This paper aims to describe the design and evaluation of a pilot leadership development programme for infection prevention and control (IPAC) professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme’s aim was to improve IPAC knowledge and capacity in the health-care system by developing the leadership skills and capacities of novice and advanced Infection Control Professionals (ICPs), to respond flexibly, and competently, in their expanding and ever-changing roles. Design/methodology/approach The leadership programme was piloted with seven nurses, who were part of a clinical nursing team in New South Wales, Australia, over a 12-month period between 2021 and 2022. The programme was designed using a leadership development framework underpinned by transformational leadership theory, practice development approaches and collaborative and experiential learning. These principles were applied during programme design, with components adapted to learners’ interests and regular opportunities provided for collaboration in active learning and critical reflection on workplace experiences. Findings The authors’ evaluation suggests that the programme was feasible, acceptable and considered to be effective by this cohort. Moreover, participants valued the opportunities to engage in active and experience-based learning with peers, and with the support of senior and experienced ICPs. The action learning sets were well-received and allowed participants to critically reflect on and learn from one another’s experiences. The mentoring programme allowed them to apply their developing leadership skills to real workplace challenges that they face. Research limitations/implications Despite a small sample size, the authors’ results provide empirical evidence about the effectiveness of using a practice development approach for strengthening ICP leadership capacity. The success of this pilot study has paved the way for a bigger second cohort of participants in the programme, for which further evaluation will be conducted. Practical implications The success of this leadership programme reflects both the need for leadership development in the IPAC professions and the applicability of this approach, with appropriate facilitation, for other professions and organizations. Originality/value ICP leadership programmes have not been previously reported in the literature. This pilot study builds on the growing interest in IPAC leadership to foster health system responsiveness and change.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Background/introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Background/introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Background/introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Practice development amidst a pandemic: a pilot programme to develop leadership in infection prevention and control professionals

Jain,

Dempsey,

Wilcox

et al. 2023

LHS

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…4 Their workload increased, augmented by additional reporting requirements connected to the pandemic, with some reporting up to a 500% increase in calls to IPs. 5 Many experienced IPs decided to leave the field or retire early 6 even before the pandemic, resulting in a high turnover [7][8][9] and exacerbating shortages. Moreover, there is a paucity of HEs or physicians with formal training to support infection prevention.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ten pillars for the expansion of health system infection prevention capacity

Sturm,

Jacobs,

Fakih

2024

ASHE

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The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in health care across the nation. Particularly, infection prevention programs have been subjected to pressures and increased responsibilities with no expansion in support. In addition, there is a rapid trend for health systems to merge to ensure long term sustainability. Based on our experience leading infection prevention at one of the largest health systems in the United States, we outline how systems can provide and increase capacity to optimize and enhance the hospital level infection prevention programs and outcomes. In this commentary, “Ten Pillars for the Expansion of Health System Infection Prevention Capacity” we offer 10 categories of what we have found to establish a successful and functioning infection prevention program. The pillars to support the infection prevention programs focus on structure, processes, empowerment, and partnerships, and the elements and strategies that comprise them.

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A narrative review of how infection preventionist (IP) staffing and outcome metrics are assessed by health care organizations and factors to consider

Knighton,

Engle,

Berkson

et al. 2024

American Journal of Infection Control

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Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the infection prevention and control field: Findings from focus groups conducted with association for professionals in infection control & epidemiology (APIC) members in fall 2021

Cited by 6 publications

References 11 publications

Practice development amidst a pandemic: a pilot programme to develop leadership in infection prevention and control professionals

Practice development amidst a pandemic: a pilot programme to develop leadership in infection prevention and control professionals

Ten pillars for the expansion of health system infection prevention capacity

A narrative review of how infection preventionist (IP) staffing and outcome metrics are assessed by health care organizations and factors to consider

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