A survey released today by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and the American Society for Microbiology showed the turnaround time for laboratory test results may not be meeting expectations, suggesting the need for greater collaboration between labs and infection preventionists for effectively manage healthcare-acquired infections.
Most (51 percent) of the surveyed infection preventionists indicated that they need results for MRSA screening tests within 12 hours to initiate the necessary precautions; however, MRSA cultures typically take 24-48 hours to complete.
Results from the survey also showed infection preventionists and lab professionals would value assistance in relationship building between the two groups (70 percent), hearing about other facilities' experience in creating partnerships (83 percent), more education about best practices (78 percent, and resources for educating themselves and other staff (62 percent). Only 63 percent said their facility has effective infrastructure in place for training and educating staff about HAIs.
The survey identified two factors that could be addressed to help resolve the discrepancy and reduce HAIs: the need for increased communication between infection preventionists and lab professionals and the lack of tools and resources for training and educating all healthcare personnel.
Most (51 percent) of the surveyed infection preventionists indicated that they need results for MRSA screening tests within 12 hours to initiate the necessary precautions; however, MRSA cultures typically take 24-48 hours to complete.
Results from the survey also showed infection preventionists and lab professionals would value assistance in relationship building between the two groups (70 percent), hearing about other facilities' experience in creating partnerships (83 percent), more education about best practices (78 percent, and resources for educating themselves and other staff (62 percent). Only 63 percent said their facility has effective infrastructure in place for training and educating staff about HAIs.
The survey identified two factors that could be addressed to help resolve the discrepancy and reduce HAIs: the need for increased communication between infection preventionists and lab professionals and the lack of tools and resources for training and educating all healthcare personnel.
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