Director System Infection Prevention & Control

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the System Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Henry Ford Health, the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Director is responsible for the development, implementation, and review of the IPC program for the organization. The IPC Director develops and maintains the policies and procedures to support successful patient quality and safety outcomes and ongoing improvement in the delivery of healthcare to patients, identification of areas of opportunity, and coordination and execution of regulatory compliance programs as related to Federal, State, and other agencies.

The IPC director possesses knowledge of healthcare epidemiology and acts as a consultant directed toward compliance to best Infection Prevention and Control practices. In conjunction with the System IPC Medical Director, the IPC Director works towards the standardization of IPC best practices and reduction of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) across the health system. The director coordinates activities of the IPC program across Henry Ford Health. In collaboration with the IPC Medical Director, the director supports and serves as a resource to the administration, clinical staff, and all clinical services, as well as non-clinical services as needed.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. With the system medical director, works towards standardization of IPC best practices and reduction of HAIs across the health system.

2. With the system medical director, leads the Infection Prevention and Control forum in meeting monthly, or more frequently as needed.

a. With the system medical director, leads the IPC team in conducting quality rounds of clinical and non-clinical areas across the health system, to observe practices using epidemiologic tools, and serve as consultant to IPC best practices.

3. Coordinates the work of the Infection Prevention Specialists (IPS) across the health system, which includes surveillance, reporting of HAIs, auditing of IPC practices, and educating employees about IPC.

4. Based upon surveillance data, which includes but not limited to electronic medical records, Bugsy, and data analytic reports, analyzes, develops, and implements strategies to prevent HAIs, other infections, and promote hand hygiene.

5. Makes recommendations using professional, evidence-based guidelines to assure organizational compliance with best practice standards and regulatory agency requirement, including oversight of business unit Infection Control plans.

6. Reviews staffing levels of the IPC team to continue to evaluate and provide for the professional staff's needs in IP practices.

7. Leads in developing and updating health system policies and practices associated with IPC.

8. Participates in the review of polices directed toward compliance to National Standards with Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Center for Disease Control, and Joint Commission.

9. Interacts and communicates with assigned clinical areas, committees, and designated individuals to integrate components of the IPC program.

10. Notifies hospital epidemiologists and other pertinent persons of patients and/or personnel exposed to infectious or communicable diseases.

11. Identifies and reports, with the IPC forum, clinical practices that can adversely affect patient outcomes or employee safety to the Director of Regulatory Readiness and Infection Control.

12. Serves as an expert resource person to nursing and other professionals on IPC matters, identifying educational needs and strategies to improve the quality of care and reduce the risks of infection to patients and personnel.

13. Participates in epidemiological and special investigations and research projects. Investigates the design and potential use of facilities, equipment/supplies, and healthcare processes relative to IPC guidelines and participates in developing techniques to ensure safe and effective use.

14. Participates in and helps lead coordinated system responses to outbreaks or pandemic events.

15. Partners with supply chain and facilities to ensure IPC collaboration and oversight as needed.

16. Develops and facilitates informal and formal training classes for healthcare workers: defining best infection prevention and control practices: demonstrating and/or presenting proper aseptic and isolation procedures, and reinforcing the need for continued high standards of infection prevention and control.

17. Advances knowledge by attending workshops, lectures, seminars, and educational conferences.

18. Educates, mentors, monitors, and provides ongoing support to Infection Prevention Specialists under direct supervision, as well as to Clinical Performance Specialists and other Quality/Safety professionals regarding infection prevention and control.

19. Serves as an expert resource for regulatory preparedness and compliance.

20. Participates in accreditation/regulatory agency visits as appropriate.

21. Supports other departmental goals and strategic initiatives as appropriate.

22. Other duties as assigned.