Leading from the top: Evaluation and impact of an educational programme for Directors of Infection Prevention and Control (DIPC) within the Independent Healthcare Sector (IS)

Abstract

Background:

The Director of Infection Prevention and Control (DIPC) role was introduced into the UK in 2003 to address the need for effective leadership within Infection Prevention (IP). The role was embedded in English legislation in 2008. In one Independent healthcare organisation (with 31 acute hospitals spread geographically across the UK), the DIPC role is held by the hospital matron (known as Director of Nursing in the NHS), who influence resource allocation and ensure infection prevention is prioritised. A knowledge gap in microbiology, standard precautions and infection prevention regulatory requirements was identified and as there was no educational provision for this role, an accredited programme was developed. Twenty-five matrons completed the DIPC programme.

Aims:

Evaluate the impact of a DIPC educational programme on the delivery of IP services.

Methodology:

A post-course qualitative retrospective survey using open-ended questions was used to collect data from DIPCs who had completed the programme. Inductive thematic and content analysis methods were used to identify key themes from survey responses.

Results:

Out of 20 DIPCs, 16 completed the survey. Key findings included improvements in knowledge related to microbiology, IP and regulatory requirements of the DIPC role. DIPCs reported changes to service delivery including appointment of six IP nurses, improved surveillance processes, reduced infections and improved cleanliness standards. This small study demonstrates the impact of an educational programme for DIPCs who felt more empowered to manage the IP services effectively, resulting in improved patient safety through reduced infections.