This article captures the vital journey of Brenna Doran and Jessica Swain, two IPC (Infection Prevention and Control) leaders, as they unravel the intricacies of IP staffing in our contemporary healthcare landscape. This comprehensive series depicts the various stages involved in their research, beginning with the advent of an initial idea that transformed into a far-reaching article, in-depth research manuscript, and an enlightening podcast.
This investigative endeavor delved into the complex world of IP staffing to illuminate and address challenges particularly intensified during recent times. Linking the series to their personal experiences, the first part titled ‘The Spark: Unmasking the Hidden Workload’ exposes the herculean efforts required to manage infection prevention in light of grossly inadequate staffing recommendations. Frustration at their constant struggle to accomplish vast amounts of work served as the fertile ground where the seed for this research was sown.
The mounting demands of IPs, felt acutely during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the urgent need for enhanced staffing levels, leading Brenna and Jessica onto the path of investigation. Their collective experiences and concerns evolved into a national survey designed to articulate the trials faced by IPs across the country, especially in ill-staffed long-term care facilities during the pandemic.
This research aimed at depicting the true nature of the workload faced by IPs, understanding how departments adapted to growing demands, and exploring the collaborative dynamics within healthcare institutions. This journey, which began with volunteering to write an article for Prevention Strategist magazine in Summer 2023, set the stage for bringing IP staffing struggles under national spotlight, enabling more voices to join the conversation and draw attention to this pressing matter.