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Abstract
Respondents (N = 473) from a randomized stratified sample (N = 600) of U.S. hospital
ICPs in a national survey sponsored by the Certification Board of Infection Control
were asked to rate specific task, knowledge, and ability statements related to infection
control for frequency and importance. The questions included 175 items, of which 99
were for specific tasks and 76 were for knowledge and abilities for practice. Areas
covered included patient care practices, infectious diseases, epidemiology and statistics,
microbiologic practices, sterilization and disinfection, education, employee health
services, and management and communications. A “profile respondent” group (N = 317)
was defined as persons most likely to be practicing the full scope of infection control
practice and was used to identify key tasks, knowledge, and abilities for practice.
Results showed that patient care practices (i.e., suctioning, dressing changes, and
catheterization) were rarely performed. The development of infection control policies
and procedures were key tasks. Knowledge of microbiology and infectious diseases in
order to interpret laboratory reports and other patient data was rated as essential;
however, few respondents actually performed laboratory procedures. Epidemiologic principles
were frequently used for surveillance and problem investigation. Although presentation
of epidemiologic data was rated as important, analytic statistics were rarely used.
Assessment of educational needs and teaching were large components of ICPs' activities.
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© 1984 Published by Elsevier Inc.
