HHS brings 'full resources to bear' on infections
Memo outlines new federal HAI panel
Donald Wright, MD, MPH, principal deputy assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is chairman of the newly formed HHS Steering Commission for Prevention of Healthcare Associated Infections. A memorandum from Wright distributed by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) included the following information about the commission:
The committee is charged with developing an HHS action plan to reduce HAIs by enhancing and coordinating HHS-supported efforts, including the development of prevention guidelines, data collection and analysis, and outreach and education. The committee will concentrate on the leading HAIs: urinary tract and surgical-site infections, bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, Clostridium difficile, and MRSA. Those efforts help HHS provide greater national leadership and coordination. The effort includes:
• Establishment of the HHS Steering Committee to develop an HHS action plan
— In partnership with the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) — the Secretary's advisory committee charged with providing him advice and guidance on the practice of infection control — HHS will begin to prioritize the current 1,200 recommended clinical practices to facilitate rapid implementation among health care organization. The HICPAC has provided recommendations for the development of evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of health care-associated infections by HAI type (i.e., surgical site, etc.).
— Identify and explore policy incentives for regulatory oversight of recommended clinical practices through hospital accreditation programs,
— Establish greater consistency and compatibility of HAI data through developing standardized definitions and measures for HAIs.
— Build on the principles of transparency and consumer choice to empower consumers to motivate health care organization and providers to provide better more efficient care.
In addition, this plan will outline opportunities for collaboration with external stakeholders such as APIC. Establishing a working relationship with organizations such as APIC is important because we recognize the reducing HAIs nationally is a shared responsibility at all levels of government, the healthcare industry, and consumers. The HHS Steering Committee will ensure appropriate stakeholder input into developing and implementing its departmental action plan. Through the Steering Committee outreach efforts we hope to learn more about other organizations, various campaigns and initiatives that already are addressing HAIs. HAIs continue to take a significant toll on human life. The HHS Steering Committee on Reducing HAIs is an unprecedented opportunity to bring together the department's full resources to bear on this critical patient safety issue.
Donald Wright, MD, MPH, principal deputy assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is chairman of the newly formed HHS Steering Commission for Prevention of Healthcare Associated Infections.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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