Leadership, poor hand hygiene compliance, and rising levels of drug-resistance were among the key topics of discussion at the Infection Prevention Society’s conference, held in Bournemouth. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.
Infection control leaders are facing challenging times ahead. Not only must they operate within a climate of financial constraint and competing priorities, but they also face increasing pressure to tackle all healthcare-acquired infections (HCAIs), expansion of current infection surveillance, and the ever-present threat of antibiotic resistance – an international problem that requires a global response. These were just some of the topical issues raised at IPS 2010, an annual event which attracts over 700 healthcare professionals from across the UK.
Leadership
Professor Alison Holmes, lead for hospital epidemiology and infection prevention and control at Imperial College London, gave an insight into leading infection prevention at an organisational level. Prof. Holmes stressed the importance of reflection and analysis of models of service. This is crucial to ensuring organisational learning, optimising models of care, and understanding efficiency, she pointed out. She outlined the following key areas as being central for any strategic plans to reduce HCAI:
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