Infection prevention and control self-audit: just a tick box exercise?

Abstract

Peer reviewed article he National Health Service (NHS) in England continues to experience ongoing change in order to complete the transition to the new delivery system outlined in Liberating the NHS (Department of Health, 2010a). Treating and caring for patients in a safe environment and protecting them from acquiring avoidable infections remains a high priority and a central quality improvement component within the outcome Indicator set for 2013/14 (NHS Commissioning Board, 2012a). Infection prevention and control practitioners will be required to use a range of innovative quality improvement strategies to facilitate engagement with clinicians and meet the challenges that lie ahead for the NHS. The purpose of this paper is to report on the implementation of an infection prevention and control self-audit (IPCSA) project within general practice. The aim of the project was to empower practice staff to become actively involved with an infection prevention and control (IPC) audit in order to support the development of an IPC quality improvement culture within general practice teams. The paper outlines the methodology used to implement self-audit. The findings suggest that IPCSA can be used as an effective alternative to an IPC nurse-led infection prevention and control audit. IntroductionThe new structure of the NHS is set out within a framework agreement between the Department of Health and the NHS Commissioning Board Authority (Department of Health, 2012). It outlines the role of the NHS Commissioning Board as an executive non-departmental public body of the Department of Health and places a duty on the board and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) under the Health and Social Care Act (Department of Health, 2010b) to improve quality and outcomes (NHS Commissioning Board, 2012b).Achieving and maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control (IPC) remains fundamental in order to ensure that patients experience a safe environment and are protected from acquiring avoidable infections. Despite conflicting evidence about the efficacy of various types of audit, it continues to be widely used as a quality improvement technique (Millward et al, 1993; Bowie et al, 2010). This paper outlines the implementation of an infection prevention and control self-audit (IPCSA) in a general practice setting. The rationale for implementing self-audit and its application in practice are discussed. The findings suggest that IPCSA can be used as an effective alternative to a nurse-led infection prevention and control audit. BackgroundThe history and proliferation of audit is well documented (Power, 1994;Holden, 1999; Bowerman et al, 2000;Humphrey and Owen, 2000; Bowie et al, 2009;Levy and Rockall, 2009). The role of audit within the National Health Service (NHS) in England was outlined as part of the government white paper 'Working for Patients' (Department of Health, 1989a). Working paper 6 (Department of Health, 1989b) specifically defined medical audit, but subsequent policy initiatives (Department of Health, 1998Health, ...

<p>Infection Prevention and Control Preparedness Level and Associated Determinants in 56 Acute Healthcare Facilities in Ghana</p>

“…IPC audit is essential in ensuring that services in facilities are measured against standards. 20 This current study presents the actual evidence of IPC preparedness level in Ghana and can be used as a baseline study for sub-Saharan Africa and gives a clearer view of IPC performance in the region. This study has highlighted that an IPC program with clearly defined objectives, dedicated budget for IPC activities and regular training on IPC are central to attaining a good IPC preparedness level.…”