Evaluation of a quality improvement program to prevent healthcare acquired infections in an acute care hospital

Abstract

Objective: The general purpose of the study was to evaluate a specific prevention program and its effects on infection prevention practices as part of continuous improvements in patient safety. Infection prevention is a global priority aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity rates related to infections acquired while under care.

Methods: A descriptive study was carried out through a documentation analysis and semi-structured interviews with 13 healthcare professionals working in a healthcare centre where the infection prevention program was developed and implemented.

Results: The thematic analysis identified three major axes: perceptions concerning audits and huddles strategies, the positive effects of the program on team building and, finally, its sustainability and continuous improvement.

Conclusions: Globally, program enhanced the habits of professionals by developing an accurate perception of infections and the way to manage the related risk. The program Controlling Specific Infections Successful Strategies (CSISS) is seen as effective and sustainable by the participants. It contributes to a collaborative safety culture to reduce nosocomial infection rates.