Increasingly around the world sweeping reforms of national healthcare systems are directly impacting the day-to-day work performed by the grass roots level infection control practitioner (ICP). In most instances these reforms have resulted in increasing ICP burden for mandatory collection, interpretation and submission of a range of complex healthcare associated infection (HAI) and patient data. In Australia, and many other countries there are subtle but definite warning signs that the typical ICP has minimal opportunity to determine or influence either the proposed definitions, methods, analysis or reporting mechanisms associated with such mandates. Regardless, the ICP’s involvement and cooperation in applying standardised methods and timely collection and submission of accurate, complete data is fundamental. It ensures the production of useful HAI information with potential to improve patient outcomes.
Not involving ICPs in development of HAI data collection systems and not considering or responding to their comments on the burden and subsequent usefulness of HAI data collection is alarming. It suggests a possible future where the ICP’s levels of professional self-determination and professional contribution are minimised. ICPs working in such systems can anticipate their role being reduced to that of “data collector”.
To remedy this move and ensure the longevity of our unique infection control speciality the profession urgently needs stronger professional associations lead by politically astute members. It also needs collective and individual commitment by ICP community members to enhance their understanding of and ability to influence public policy.