The East Africa Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Learning Network: An Approach to Improving IPC Competencies and Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2023.

BACKGROUND

Outbreaks of Ebola and the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate that healthcare workers (HCWs) are critical for resilient health systems. Interventions that improve infection prevention and control (IPC) practices are required to protect HCWs. We aimed to implement a regional IPC learning network to improve compliance with IPC standards.

METHODS

This project was implemented in a network of 20 tertiary care hospitals in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Baseline and routine assessments of hospital IPC and IPC focal point competencies were conducted from January 2021 through June 2023 to identify gaps and measure progress. Virtual and in-person trainings were held routinely, and a collaborative quality improvement (QI) project on personal protective equipment (PPE) use was conducted. Data were analyzed to describe changes in IPC compliance and competencies.

RESULTS

Overall, hospital compliance with IPC standards improved from baseline to the final assessments across all domains assessed. IPC focal points' occupational health competency scores increased; median scores for each competency component ranged from 2.5 to 3.5 (out of 5) at baseline and were ≥4.5 at endpoint. Eighteen hospitals completed the QI collaborative; average compliance with appropriate PPE use across hospitals increased significantly, from 65% to 92% (P < .006).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing evidence-based interventions in a learning network in East Africa improved compliance with IPC standards and occupational health competencies, which are critical to protecting HCWs and preventing pathogen transmission in healthcare facilities. This learning network approach can serve as a model for other regions or be implemented to address other public health emergencies.