Highlighting the need for more infection control practitioners in low- and middle-income countries
Discussion: While no single individual can entirely eliminate the risk of nosocomial transmission, there is literature to support the value of designated IC persons. Recommendations from the World Health Organization in 2008 and 2009 describe the need for this specialized cadre of workers, but many countries lack the national regulations to authorize, train and manage such professionals at the national or local level. This article provides an overview of how ICPs are trained and credentialed in several countries, and discusses approaches countries can use to train ICPs.
Conclusion: Trained ICPs can help prevent future outbreaks and control nosocomial transmission of diseases in health care facilities. For this to occur, supportive national policies, availability of training institutions and local administrative support will be required.
Keywords: health care workers; human resources for health; implementation; infection control; training
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: 1: Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA 2: Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Publication date: 21 September 2016
This article was made available online on 19 August 2016 as a Fast Track article with title: "Highlighting the need for more infection control practitioners in low- and middle-income countries".
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