Using a Novel Assessment Tool to Help Increase Infection Preventionist Efficiency

Session Description: Recent epidemics have spurred innovations in infection prevention and control (IPC) materials, equipment, devices, resources, and technologies, highlighting opportunities to improve infection prevention programs. The ability to critically examine how infection prevention is performed is fundamental to advancing and strengthening IPC preparedness and programs. However, even with technological advances in infection prevention programs, under-resourced Infection Preventionists experience challenges in addressing gaps in their programs.
This comprehensive presentation will demonstrate how utilizing novel technological tools can help Infection Preventionists identify gaps, prioritize opportunities for improvement, collaborate with colleagues, and facilitate process and program improvements. The Self-led Infection Control Evaluation (SLICE) is a valid and reliable (α=0.965) tool that allows IPs to independently review their programs. The tool is comprised of 14 IPC-specific domains where users can perform a comprehensive or targeted evaluation of their program.
Pilot testing found SLICE to be a unique and beneficial tool that allows IPs to wholistically evaluate their IPC program, identify gaps, prioritize needs, provide direction for improvement, and guide IPC conversations and education within their facility. The SLICE tool promotes IPC program resilience by removing redundant efforts, consolidating resources into a single location, and allowing IPs to focus on program enhancement and improvement. This new assessment tool has demonstrated its ability to provide opportunities for IPC discussion and improvement within facilities.