| The Infection Preventionist (IP) helps to plan, coordinate and implement a hospital-wide program for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections. Core duties include surveillance for healthcare-associated infections, development of policies and procedures to protect patients and staff from nosocomial infections, observing practice and collaborating with frontline staff to enhance protections for staff and patients, oversight of the healthcare environment as it pertains to minimizing risk of transmission, teaching hospital staff about healthcare-associated infections and how best to prevent infections, and liaising with health department authorities as needed to carry out the preceding duties. The IP should be a nurse or other health care professional (such as physician, MPH or microbiologist) who has a thorough understanding of the healthcare system. Candidates with CIC certification are preferred. The IP functions under the supervision of the Infection Control Director, Hospital Epidemiologist, and Associate Hospital Epidemiologist. Summary duties include: Program development and assessment Participates in the development of infection prevention and control program policies and procedures. Reviews, revises and implements the techniques used for isolation precautions for patients. Assists department heads and supervisory personnel in the development and review of specific infection prevention and control policies and procedures for all services of the hospital. Maintains a manual of policies and procedures.
Participates in and leads quality improvement activities.
Reviews, revises and keeps current all aseptic and sanitation techniques including hazardous waste disposal.
Participates in the evaluation of products which may influence
the occurrence of healthcare-associated infections.
Epidemiologic Evaluation
Maintains a system for surveillance and reporting of infections among patients and personnel. Recommends and implements changes in the system when indicated. Maintains a formal internal and external system of communication within the hospital and affiliated practices to inform and direct personnel concerning potential and existing problems.
Conducts investigations of known or suspected occurrences of infection among patients, personnel or visitors to the hospital.
Participates in product recalls associated with potential or identified healthcare-associated infections.
Advice and Teaching
Coordinates relevant aspects of the care of patients who are at special risk of transmitting or acquiring communicable diseases in order to minimize the chance of these events occurring.
Teaches hospital employees regarding infection prevention and control.
Acts as a consultant to nursing and medical personnel for dissemination of special information concerning patients with infection control-related issues. Participates in patient care conferences when indicated. Advises about specific patient care issues and techniques which are related to infection control issues Assists the primary nurse and continuing care department with discharge planning. Acts as a liaison person coordinating care and communicating patient infection control needs to the Brigham and Women’s Hospital health team and community services.
Serves as a liaison and information source for all hospital personnel concerned with prevention of healthcare-associated infections, e.g. physicians, nursing personnel, the Occupational Health Services, Emergency Department, Housekeeping, Central Sterile Supply, Clinical Laboratory staff, nursing staff education personnel, volunteer services and personnel contracted by the hospital to provide services within the institution.
Maintains written materials, teaching devices, special equipment and other resources for the use of personnel.
Teaches patients and families and assists other members of the health team to carry out such teaching, when indicated.
Cooperates with faculty responsible for educational programs in order to contribute to student learning and experience.
Professional Development
Keeps informed of current techniques and practices in the field, maintains a reference library of relevant material, keeps informed of The Joint Commission regulations to ensure compliance, keeps informed of pertinent federal, state, and local requirements to ensure hospital compliance. Communicates pertinent information to appropriate personnel and assists in evaluation where applicable.
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