APIC Launches New Research Center

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has announced the creation of a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary research agenda. This is the first time the organization has embarked on infection preventionist-led research into topics important to IPs working on the front lines at healthcare facilities.

The group released its report https://osmag.net/gaps, “Research Gaps Impacting the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control” on Sept. 26, just weeks before International Infection Prevention Week, which ran from Oct. 13 to Oct. 19.

The 30-page report also marks the launch of APIC’s newly-established Center for Research, Practice & Innovation (CRPI). It outlines a wide array of topics crucial to advancing the practice of infection prevention and control.

“We are excited to introduce our new research priorities to advance the infection prevention and control field,” says APIC President Tania Bubb, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC. “Through this ambitious agenda, we hope to improve our understanding of effective strategies to minimize disease transmission, prevent healthcare-associated infections and save lives.”

CRPI detailed its initial research priorities in the report. They include the following:

• Determining optimal IP staffing models
• Improving hand hygiene collection practices
• Exploring the relationship between health equity and healthcare-associated infections
• Determining drivers for IP attrition and burnout

APIC’s research agenda outlines opportunities for partner organizations with infection prevention interests and goals. Through CRPI, APIC seeks to partner with other organizations and institutions with infection prevention and patient safety interests to help fill research gaps and align IPC research based on the priorities APIC has put forward.

“This is the most expansive research agenda APIC has ever developed, and it is the first agenda built around the needs of working IPs,” said APIC CEO Devin Jopp, EdD. “We look forward to working with others in the infection prevention and control industry to fill knowledge gaps, inform infection prevention practice and equip our IP workforce for the challenges of the future.”

The research agenda is the result of a yearlong process involving an expert advisory panel summit, member feedback and surveys, and input from multiple key organizations and associations whose work involves infection prevention and control. OSM