The outcome competency framework for practitioners in infection prevention and control: use of the outcome logic model for evaluation

Abstract

Peer reviewed article ealthcare is delivered in a dynamic environment with frequent changes in populations, methods, equipment and settings. Infection prevention and control practitioners (IPCPs) must ensure that they are competent in addressing the challenges they face and are equipped to develop infection prevention and control (IPC) services in line with a changing world of healthcare provision. A multifaceted Framework was developed to assist IPCPs to enhance competence at an individual, team and organisational level to enable quality performance and improved quality of care. However, if these aspirations are to be met, it is vital that competency frameworks are fit for purpose or they risk being ignored. The aim of this unique study was to evaluate short and medium term outcomes as set out in the Outcome Logic Model to assist with the evaluation of the impact and success of the Framework. This study found that while the Framework is being used effectively in some areas, it is not being used as much or in the ways that were anticipated. The findings will enable future work on revision, communication and dissemination, and will provide intelligence to those initiating education and training in the utilisation of the competences. IntroductionThe World Health Organization (WHO), in a report on the impact of healthcare associated infections (HCAI), summarised the problem as follows: "The impact of healthcare associated infection implies prolonged hospital stay, long-term disability, increased resistance of micro-organisms to antimicrobials, a massive additional financial burden for health systems, high costs for patients and their families and excess deaths" (WHO, 2011, p. 3). Additionally, the WHO (2011) report also highlights that HCAI are a hidden problem that cut across all healthcare settings and are yet to be solved nationally and internationally. However, recent demonstrable improvements in significant HCAI (e.g. meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia and Clostridium difficile infection) across the UK indicate that even if the war is not won, significant battles are having an impact. Embedding high standards of infection prevention and control (IPC) practice is fundamental in improving the safety and quality of patient care. To achieve this, it is essential to have a competent and confident workforce to address the continuing and evolving challenges of reducing and controlling HCAI.In 2011, the Infection Prevention Society (IPS), in partnership with the national health departments, Skills for Health, the Council of Deans and other stakeholders published the Outcome Competences Framework for Practitioners in Infection Prevention and Control (Infection Prevention Society, 2011) (hereafter called the Framework). The purpose of the Framework is to assist practitioners working in IPC to build competence throughout their career so that they can provide expert advice and leadership in the pursuit of improved quality of care for patients through the reduction in the burden of disease and illness c...

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Vessel Health and Preservation Framework: Use of the outcome logic model for evaluation

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Development and validation of a competency evaluation model for hospital infection prevention and control practitioners in the post-pandemic era: a mixed methods study

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