In the demanding environment of acute care hospitals, ensuring robust infection prevention and control (IPC) practices is paramount for patient and staff safety. To support healthcare facilities in this critical mission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a comprehensive Infection Prevention And Control Assessment Tool For Acute Care Hospitals, known as the Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) tool. This modular tool is designed to evaluate and improve IPC practices across various settings within acute care, ultimately contributing to safer and more effective healthcare delivery.
The ICAR tool is structured into distinct sections to provide a thorough assessment of IPC protocols. It begins with a Demographics section, intended to be completed by the hospital beforehand. This section gathers essential facility information and infrastructure details, saving valuable time during the on-site assessment. The ICAR facilitator can then review this information, addressing any necessary clarifications at the start of the assessment process.
The core of the ICAR tool lies within the Facilitator Guide Assessment Modules. These modules are designed to facilitate discussions about existing policies and practices within the hospital. They cover a wide spectrum of infection prevention areas, utilizing a combination of closed-ended (yes/no) and open-ended questions. The open-ended questions encourage detailed responses, prompting a deeper understanding of the hospital’s IPC strategies. While common responses are provided as prompts, it’s crucial to consult the facilitator guide to ascertain recommended IPC practices and identify areas for improvement. Many modules are complemented by corresponding observation components, bridging the gap between policy and practice.
To directly evaluate the implementation of IPC practices, the ICAR tool includes Observation Forms. These forms are designed for use during on-site observations and are intended to assess how discussed policies and procedures are translated into daily practice. For in-person assessments, facilitators can expand upon these observation points to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the hospital’s IPC environment. Importantly, observation sections are also integrated within the relevant modules in Section 2, offering a cohesive assessment approach.
To further support the utilization of the ICAR tool, the CDC’s TeleICAR team offers training to public health jurisdictions. Additionally, a user-friendly Web Application is available to aid in quality improvement initiatives related to ICAR, accessible at https://icar-app.cdc.gov.
In summary, the infection prevention and control assessment tool for acute care hospitals (ICAR) provides a structured and comprehensive framework for hospitals to evaluate and enhance their IPC programs. By utilizing this tool, acute care facilities can proactively identify areas for improvement, strengthen their defenses against infections, and ultimately foster a safer environment for both patients and healthcare personnel.
