Moving evidence from the literature to the bedside: Report from the APIC Research Task Force

Research is an integral component of the mission of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). In January 2010, APIC ‘s Board of Directors decided to update and clarify the Association’s approach to research. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review the history of APIC’s role in research and to report on the recent vision and direction developed by a research task force regarding appropriate roles and contributions for APIC and its members in regards to research. APIC and its membership play critical roles in the research process, especially in terms of setting the research agenda so that research resources can be directed to important areas. Additionally, dissemination and implementation are areas in which APIC members can utilize their unique talents to ensure that patients receive the most up-to-date and evidence-based infection prevention practices possible.