Enhancing infection preventionist certification success through a structured training program.

BACKGROUND: Certification in infection control (CIC) is a standardized indicator of the knowledge and competencies essential for effective infection prevention practice. Evidence measuring success of training programs for certfication in infection control is limited. METHODS: From 2017 through 2023, 51 novice infection preventionists (IPs) were enrolled in a training program that combined didactic learning, application of knowledge in practice, and mentorship from advanced-practice and near-peer IPs. Participants were tracked through completion of certification examination and pass rates were compared with rates for 2023 CIC candidates. RESULTS: All participants engaged in the training program attempted the CIC examination. The training group had a pass rate of 98%. This is 27% higher than the most recent rate published by Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) of 71%. DISCUSSION: Participants were significantly more likely to pass the CIC exam on the first try, showing that a supported, competency-based training program can be successful in supporting novice IPs in certification success. CONCLUSIONS: Building foundational knowledge on key concepts in infection prevention and control and enhancing learning through supervised, direct application of skills improves CIC certification exam pass rates and supports progression of early career IPs to more independent practice.

Successful implementation of the CDC recommendations during the care of 2 patients with Candida auris in in-patient rehabilitation and intensive care settings.

Candida auris presents a unique challenge to practitioners and infection control teams worldwide because of its virulence, alarming resistance profile, environmental fitness, and risk of nosocomial transmission. We describe 2 cases of Candida auris infection managed with the CDC recommendations with no evidence of in-hospital transmission.

The master of public health graduate as infection preventionist:Navigating the changing landscape of infection prevention.

Infection prevention is a rapidly changing field with regulatory requirements and emerging global public health threats. Infection preventionists (IPs) must use advanced epidemiologic skills for health care-associated infection investigation and prevention. A potential talent pool for IPs is the Master of Public Health graduate. Those hiring IPs should consider master of public health graduates as candidates who can help drive the future of this profession.

Risk factors for spinal surgical site infection, Houston, Texas.

OBJECTIVE: Because of an increase in the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) following spinal procedures at the study hospital, we conducted a study to determine risk factors associated with the development of a SSI. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: A community hospital in Houston, Texas, with more than 500 beds. PATIENTS: Fifty-five case patients who developed SSI after spinal surgery and 179 control patients who did not develop SSI after spinal surgery. METHODS: We examined patient- and hospital-associated risk factors for SSI by using existing data on patients who underwent spinal operations at the study hospital between December 2003 and August 2005. Multivariable analysis was conducted using logistic regression to determine significant risk factors associated with SSI. RESULTS: The presence of comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 3.15 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20-8.26]) and surgical duration greater than the population median of 100 minutes (OR, 2.48 [95% CI, 1.12-5.49]) were identified as independent risk factors for SSI. The use of only povidone-iodine for preoperative skin antisepsis was found to be protective (OR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.06-0.45]). Specific operating room, hospital staff involved in the procedures, workers' compensation status, method of hair removal, smoking status, or incontinence were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of comorbidities and increased surgical duration are risks for postoperative infection. The use of only povidone-iodine was found to decrease the risk of infection.