Hospital Infection Prevention (IP) is an increasingly important subdiscipline within infectious diseases (ID). We developed and evaluated a 2-week IP training program to allow ID fellows the opportunity to learn about IP. We aimed to educate on the scope of IP work with a focus on the role of ID within IP.

A training program was developed covering the role of IP in preventing hospital acquired infections focusing on 3 key areas: device related infections, outbreak exposures, and the hospital physical environment. We utilized the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) patient safety component manual combined with practical experience performing surveillance, rounding and case study reviews. The effectiveness and utility of the program was evaluated with a pre- and post-training survey categorized on a Likert response scale (not at all familiar=1, slightly familiar=2, somewhat familiar=3, extremely familiar=4).

The mean scored survey responses showed that prior to the rotation fellows reported slight familiarity with the scope of work of IP but had very little familiarity with the IP team members. All fellows reported slight familiarity with NHSN defined device related infections, the role of IP in outbreak investigations and their role in construction projects. Fellows reported that prior to their IP rotation they would be only slightly likely to contact the IP department for assistance or notification of a potential infection risk. Following the rotation, fellows reported being extremely familiar to all topics covered during the rotation. All fellows reported the rotation to be extremely useful.

The program was successful in improving the understanding of the scope of IP work. Fellows understood their role in documentation when a primary source of infection is suspected during central line bloodstream infection surveillance and the importance of communication when a hospital acquired environmental infection is suspected. The rotation has also fostered relationships between the departments.