Effective solutions to reduce the rate of healthcare-associated infection necessitate direct action at many different levels. One of the many strategies at a large teaching hospital in the UK has been the introduction and development of the infection control link role. This paper describes the development of this role via the use of a professional portfolio. Monthly seminars were conducted with infection control link professionals. The aim of the seminars was to help members to develop their infection control knowledge base and practice. To achieve this, portfolios were introduced and used by the infection control link professionals. The factors influencing the development of the role and portfolio usage are identified and the implications for nursing practice, in the context of infection control practice are addressed.
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