By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

Infection preventionists (IP) are being asked to do more than ever, such as leading behavior change, aligning with organizational strategy and navigating complicated healthcare environments. At Carilion Clinic in Virginia, Maimuna Jatta, the director of infection prevention and control, is reshaping the IP’s role by drawing on data-driven advocacy and cross-functional thinking. 

Healthcare Facilities Today spoke with Jatta about how approaching infection prevention through the lens of leadership, finance and clinical operations has helped improve patient outcomes. 

HFT: What role did cross-functional thinking — such as approaching infection prevention as a CMO or CFO — play in achieving positive results? 

Maimuna Jatta: The role of the IP requires agility and leadership skills. IPs are influential leaders who may not have authority over people or teams. Because IPs are influential, they need to be able to tailor the message to the audience of interest, which for the IP is very broad because infection prevention is everyone's responsibility. IPs need to know enough about everything to be able to do the job. They also need to be able to get people's attention enough to influence behavior change. 

Related Content: Addressing Infection Prevention Staffing Gaps in Ambulatory and Procedural Care

HFT: What advice do you have for IPC leaders looking to build a business case for staffing increases, especially in financially constrained healthcare systems? 

Jatta: I think we need to start looking at IPC (infection prevention and control) as an investment rather than a cost. IPC adds value and saves costs, both for the organization and the patients. For IPC leaders, it is important to structure your business case by clearly defining the unmet needs. This can be achieved through a gap analysis. APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) has helpful tools and resources like the staffing calculator and HAI (healthcare-associated infections) calculator to help in building the business case. Understanding organizational priorities and being able to demonstrate how staffing can support these initiatives and priorities is very vital. 

HFT: How do you see the role of infection preventionists evolving based on the lessons learned from Carilion’s expansion and outcomes? 

Jatta: We have seen a major shift in the role of IP credits to the pandemic. I think we will continue to see this shift along with the growing healthcare evolution. Healthcare is becoming more and more complex with the growing advancements in technology.  Pathogens are also getting smarter; we need subject matter experts to help healthcare keep up with these challenges. I think investing in infection prevention will soon become the norm, not only because it is the right thing to do for patients but because it is the smart thing to do for health systems.   

Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market.