A survey of infection prevention and control resources in acute care facilities across British Columbia.

BACKGROUND

To determine the gaps in infection prevention and control (IPAC) resources and the disparities between rural and urban areas, the Provincial Infection Control Network surveyed the current resources in British Columbia (BC).

METHODS

Acute care facilities (ACF) in six health authorities (HA) were surveyed for IPAC staff; distribution of work; infection prevention and control professional (ICP) to bed ratios; and teaching activities. HAs were designated as either urban or rural.

RESULTS

Responses represented 54 (68%) of the ACF in BC. Rural HAs showed a significantly higher number of inexperienced ICPs (68% vs. 17%; p < 0.001). Only 22 (60%) of eligible ICPs were Certification Board of Infection Control certified. Five out of six HAs (83%) reported having an IPAC physician. Acute care ICP to bed ratios ranged from one per 67 to one per 175 and combined acute and long-term care ICP to bed ratios ranged from one per 270 beds to one per 525 beds. The number of ICPs who reported working overtime on a consistent basis ranged from 20 to 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

ACFs surveyed did not meet the recommended standards for staffing and IPAC resources in order to function as an effective program. Surveys of infection control resources are valuable tools to identify needs and assist in acquiring the resources to fill the identified gaps within a health authority.