The Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) tool is a comprehensive resource designed to evaluate and enhance infection prevention and control (IPC) practices across various healthcare settings, with a particular focus on acute care hospitals. While also applicable to long-term care and outpatient facilities, this tool provides essential modules tailored to the unique challenges of acute care environments. It is important to note that this specific tool is not intended for outpatient hemodialysis facilities, for which specialized resources are available.
The ICAR tool is structured into modular components, allowing users to select sections based on their specific assessment objectives, time constraints, or areas of particular concern within their facility. This modularity ensures a flexible and targeted approach to infection control assessment, whether focusing on general IPC practices or specific pathogens.
Leveraging the ICAR Web Application and Training Resources
To further support quality improvement initiatives, a dedicated ICAR Web Application has been developed. This optional online platform assists public health jurisdictions in utilizing the ICAR tool for systematic quality improvement efforts. The ICAR Web Application is accessible at https://icar-app.cdc.gov.
For organizations seeking guidance on implementing and utilizing the ICAR tool and its Web Application, the TeleICAR team within the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion offers specialized training. Public health jurisdictions can benefit from this training to effectively integrate the ICAR tool into their infection control programs. For training inquiries, please Contact the TeleICAR team.
ICAR Tool Components: Instructions and Modules
Detailed instructions for utilizing the Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) Tool for General Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Across Settings are available for download in PDF format: Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) Tool for General Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Across Settings. Download the instruction document for comprehensive guidance.
The ICAR tool is organized into key sections to facilitate a thorough assessment process:
Key Sections of the ICAR Tool
Section 1: Demographics. This section is designed to gather essential facility information and demographic data crucial for understanding the context of the infection control assessment. Ideally, this section should be completed by the healthcare facility prior to the ICAR assessment itself. This proactive approach allows for efficient use of assessment time, as facilities can gather necessary data and consult with relevant staff in advance. The ICAR facilitator can then review the collected demographic information at the start of the assessment to determine if any points require verbal clarification or further discussion. If the demographic data is clear and comprehensive, the assessment can efficiently progress to subsequent sections.
Section 2: Facilitator Guide Assessment Modules. This core section comprises various assessment modules intended to guide discussions and evaluations of a facility’s infection prevention policies and practices. These modules address a wide range of critical IPC practices through a combination of question types:
- Closed-ended questions: Designed for clear “yes/no” responses to quickly ascertain basic compliance and practice implementation.
- Open-ended questions: Intended to elicit more detailed and descriptive responses, providing deeper insights into the nuances of a facility’s IPC protocols. While common responses are often listed as prompts for open-ended questions, it is crucial to consult the facilitator guide to ensure that responses align with recommended IPC practices. Not all listed responses necessarily represent optimal infection control measures.
Most modules within Section 2 are complemented by corresponding observation components, bridging the gap between policy review and practice implementation.
Section 3: Observation Forms. This section focuses on the practical application of infection prevention practices through direct observation. These forms are designed to evaluate how policies and discussed practices are translated into real-world implementation within the healthcare setting. When conducting in-person assessments, facilitators are encouraged to expand observations beyond the specific points outlined in this tool to gain a more holistic understanding of IPC practices. It’s important to note that observation sections are also integrated within the relevant modules in Section 2, providing a cohesive assessment approach.
Acronyms and Definitions
To ensure clarity and consistency in terminology throughout the ICAR tool, the following acronyms and definitions are provided:
ICAR: Infection Control Assessment and Response Program
IP: Infection Prevention
Healthcare Personnel IP Competency: Refers to the demonstrated ability of healthcare personnel to effectively apply essential knowledge, skills, and judgment to prevent pathogen transmission during patient care delivery.
Healthcare Personnel IP Competency-Based Training: This involves providing targeted education, training, and evaluation to healthcare personnel to ensure they attain and maintain the necessary IP competency for their specific roles.
Competency Assessment: The process of verifying IP competency through methods such as knowledge-based testing and direct observation of practices. In situations where direct observation is not feasible, alternative methods should be employed to confirm healthcare personnel possess the required knowledge and skills.
Audit: The systematic observation or monitoring of healthcare personnel adherence to job-specific IP measures in their routine work.
Feedback: The provision of a summary of audit findings, which is crucial for identifying areas for performance improvement and guiding targeted interventions.
