The competency challenge: A quest for accurate health care-acquired infection event classification among infection preventionists.

Abstract

Accurate health care-acquired infection (HAI) classification is an important component of infection prevention programs. This quality improvement project aimed to improve HAI accuracy using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology. Checklists, audit forms, and case vignettes were utilized. A standardized HAI competency toolkit should be available from National Healthcare Safety Network or other national professional organizations to assist infection preventionist programs in ensuring accurate HAI data. This will enhance the infection prevention profession and further strengthen infection preventionist contributions to patient safety.