Improving infection prevention practices through a novel safety coaches program

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) contribute to extended hospital stays and heightened in-hospital mortality rates. Effective infection prevention and control (IPAC) strategies are crucial for curtailing infection rates. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified disease burdens, compelling rigorous preventative measures. Mackenzie Health introduced the IPAC Safety Coaches Program to bolster adherence to IPAC guidelines and mitigate HAIs. Methods: IPAC Safety Coach training transpired over three iterative cohorts of educational sessions. Each session comprised a review of new learning material, discussion of key topics, and mandatory action items. Primary outcomes focused on hand hygiene and proper donning/doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE). Secondary outcomes focused on Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) and central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates. Data were collected using a standardized audit reporting form. Results: Across three training cohorts, improvements were noted in key compliance metrics: hand hygiene compliance improved by 9%, approaching statistical significance. Significant improvements were observed in PPE donning (19%), and PPE doffing (17%) compliance. Secondary outcomes demonstrated substantial reductions in C. difficile (55%) and CLABSI (57%) rates across the three cohorts. Conclusion: The novel IPAC Safety Coach Program led to improvements in hand hygiene, PPE donning and doffing compliance, and contributed to reduced C. difficile and CLABSI infection rates.