The current practice of infection prevention as demonstrated by the practice analysis survey of the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc

Background

The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc., (CBIC) provides direction and administers the certification process for infection prevention professionals. CBIC performs a practice analysis (PA) survey every 5 years to assess the current practice of infection prevention. The last PA survey was conducted in 2005. The CBIC conducted the 2009 survey to ensure its certification examination focuses on current infection prevention practice.

Methods

CBIC appointed a Task Force to develop the survey, approve the sampling plan and oversee the distribution and analysis of the responses. After pilot testing, the final survey was distributed electronically to infection preventionists in multiple health care settings throughout the world.

Results

A total of 3,771 eligible surveys were received representing a 27.5% response rate. The typical respondent was a female, approximately 50 years old, who is experienced in infection prevention, has worked in health care for 25 years, and is a registered nurse.

Conclusion

Of importance to a multi-national certification examination is that the specifications for the examinations appropriately reflect the responsibilities of all individuals who will participate in the certification examination process. The respondents agreed that the survey listed the critical tasks currently performed by an infection prevention professional.