The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a vital resource for healthcare facilities aiming to enhance their infection prevention and control (IPC) practices: the Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) tool. Specifically designed for acute care hospitals, this tool provides a structured framework for evaluating and improving IPC protocols across various settings. It is important to note that while ICAR is invaluable for acute care, long-term care, and outpatient settings, separate resources are available for outpatient hemodialysis facilities.
Enhancing Infection Prevention with the ICAR Tool
The ICAR tool is organized into modules that allow assessment teams to customize their evaluations based on time constraints, facility-specific concerns, or particular pathogens of interest. This modular design ensures flexibility and targeted assessments, maximizing the tool’s effectiveness in diverse healthcare environments.
ICAR Web Application: Streamlining Quality Improvement
To further support public health jurisdictions in their quality improvement initiatives using ICAR, the CDC offers an optional Web Application. This application, accessible at https://icar-app.cdc.gov, is designed to assist in data management, analysis, and tracking progress, making the ICAR process more efficient and impactful.
Training and Support for ICAR Implementation
The CDC’s TeleICAR team, part of the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, provides crucial training and support for public health jurisdictions utilizing the ICAR tool and Web Application. This training ensures that assessment teams are well-equipped to effectively use ICAR, understand its modules, and implement recommended improvements.
Contact the TeleICAR team for further information and training opportunities.
Understanding the Structure of the ICAR Tool
The ICAR tool is thoughtfully structured into sections to facilitate a comprehensive and organized assessment of infection control practices.
Section 1: Facility Demographics – Laying the Groundwork
The initial section focuses on gathering essential facility demographics and critical infrastructure information. This section is designed to be completed by the healthcare facility before the on-site ICAR assessment. Collecting this data beforehand saves valuable time during the actual assessment, as it often requires facilities to compile information or consult with various staff members. The ICAR facilitator then reviews the provided demographic information at the start of the assessment to identify areas needing verbal clarification or further discussion. If the demographic data is clear, the assessment can efficiently proceed to the next sections.
Section 2: Facilitator Guide Assessment Modules – In-depth Policy and Practice Review
This core section comprises various assessment modules intended for use during discussions about infection prevention policies and practices with facility staff. These modules cover a wide spectrum of crucial IPC practices. The questions within these modules are structured to elicit detailed and actionable information:
- Closed-ended questions: These “yes/no” questions provide clear, concise answers for straightforward assessments of specific practices.
- Open-ended questions: Designed to encourage more descriptive responses, these questions delve deeper into the nuances of IPC implementation. While common responses are listed as prompts, facilitators are guided to refer to the facilitator guide for recommended best practices, ensuring assessments are aligned with optimal IPC standards.
- Observation Components: Most modules are complemented by observation components, bridging the gap between policy discussion and practical implementation.
Click on each Module below to access the fillable PDF documents and begin your assessment.
Section 3: Observation Forms – Assessing Implementation in Real-World Settings
Section 3 is dedicated to the observation of infection prevention practices in action. These forms are designed to evaluate how effectively the policies and practices discussed in Section 2 are being implemented in daily healthcare operations. For in-person assessments, facilitators are encouraged to expand observations beyond the tool’s scope to gain a more holistic understanding of IPC practices within the facility.
Note: Observation sections are also integrated within the relevant modules in Section 2, providing flexibility in how assessments are conducted.
Click the links below to access fillable PDF observation forms.
Key Acronyms and Definitions within the ICAR Framework
To ensure clear communication and understanding throughout the ICAR process, it’s important to be familiar with the following acronyms and definitions:
- ICAR: Infection Control Assessment and Response Program
- IP: Infection Prevention
- Healthcare Personnel IP Competency: This refers to a healthcare worker’s demonstrated ability to apply essential knowledge and skills to prevent pathogen transmission while providing patient care.
- Healthcare Personnel IP Competency-Based Training: This involves providing job-specific education, training, and competency assessments to guarantee healthcare personnel possess the necessary IP competency.
- Competency Assessment: The process of verifying IP competency through knowledge-based testing and direct observation. When direct observation isn’t feasible, alternative methods should be used to confirm healthcare personnel possess essential IP skills and knowledge.
- Audit: Direct observation or monitoring of healthcare personnel compliance with job-specific IP measures.
- Feedback: A summary of audit findings used to guide and target performance improvement efforts.
By utilizing the CDC’s Infection Control Assessment Tool for Acute Care Hospitals, healthcare facilities can systematically evaluate and strengthen their infection prevention programs, ultimately enhancing patient safety and care quality.
