APIC MegaSurvey: Methodology and overview

- The APIC MegaSurvey was completed by 4,078 infection preventionists (IPs) in 2015.
- MegaSurvey methods and study design are reviewed.
- 37.7% were considering certification.
- Surveillance and investigation accounted for a mean of 25.4% of IP practice.
- 66.2% of IPs practiced in acute care, with a wide variety of other practice settings.

BackgroundInfection preventionists (IPs) play key roles in preventing health care-associated infections and ensuring quality of care. To develop strategies to support comprehensive infection prevention practice, it is critical to understand key aspects of their practice.MethodsA task force of expert IPs, staff representatives from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), and survey designers developed and pilot tested a survey addressing 4 components of infection prevention practice: demographic characteristics, compensation, organizational structure, and practice and competency.ResultsDuring mid- to late-2015, 4,078 APIC members (response rate 31%) participated in the study. Results indicated that all of the practice domains of the APIC Competency Model for the Infection Preventionist were rated as “important” or “very important” to supervisors or managers of IPs. Surveillance and investigation accounted for the most time in an IPs typical day, followed by prevention and control of transmission, identification of infection, and management and communication.DiscussionFuture analyses will examine the validity of the APIC Competency Model for the Infection Preventionist; factors related to professional development, including addressing the needs of IPs who may be ready for certification; and current compensation of IPs.ConclusionsThe results of the APIC MegaSurvey can be used to guide development of programs and initiatives for the future of infection prevention.