In a significant development for pediatric healthcare, a recent study published in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) sheds light on the pressing need for adequate staffing in infection prevention and control at children’s hospitals. The paper, which focuses on Boston Children’s Hospital, reveals that traditional methods for determining the number of infection preventionists (IPs) are inadequate for today’s healthcare landscape, particularly for pediatric populations.
Infection prevention is universally recognized as a fundamental component of hospital operations. However, staffing these essential roles has been a persistent challenge. The study highlights that many infection preventionists are burdened with responsibilities beyond their primary focus, which complicates the staffing equation. A survey from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) in 2020 indicated that only 14% of respondents dedicated their work solely to infection prevention activities. Instead, many are also tasked with quality improvement, education, and regulatory compliance duties, which detracts from their primary mission of infection control.
The conventional model for calculating staffing needs in infection prevention typically relies on the number of inpatient beds within a hospital. However, this approach fails to consider significant shifts in healthcare practices, such as the rise in outpatient procedures, shorter hospital stays, and an increased emphasis on ambulatory services. As a result, the actual demand for infection preventionists is likely much higher than what traditional metrics suggest.
The research team at Boston Children’s Hospital conducted a comprehensive assessment of the infection prevention and control requirements across its extensive network, which encompasses more than 40 clinical departments. During the fiscal year 2021, the hospital managed over 47,000 emergency department visits and 690,000 ambulatory visits. The infection preventionists at the hospital were responsible for overseeing the main campus, four satellite campuses, multiple doctors’ offices, and a community health center.
This needs assessment focused on the time IPs spent on both on-site and off-site responsibilities, alongside an evaluation of the complexity of ambulatory locations. The findings revealed that the work performed by infection preventionists is multifaceted and demanding. Approximately half of the evaluated services exhibited at least one complexity indicator, with many showing two or more indicators.
The complexity of services highlights the necessity for a tailored approach in assessing staffing needs for infection preventionists. As healthcare continues to evolve, it is imperative that hospitals adopt more nuanced methods for determining the appropriate number of IPs required to ensure patient safety and effective infection control.
This pivotal study not only emphasizes the challenges faced by infection preventionists in pediatric settings but also calls for a reevaluation of staffing strategies in infection control. By addressing these staffing needs, hospitals can better protect their vulnerable pediatric populations and enhance overall healthcare quality.
