Introduction

Research & Quality Improvement (QI) in Infection Prevention is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to systematically identify infection-related problems, analyze data, implement evidence-based interventions, and measure outcomes. The course bridges the gap between day-to-day infection control activities and structured research/QI methodologies, enabling participants to drive measurable reductions in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and strengthen patient safety.

The program emphasizes practical, real-world application of infection prevention research, surveillance data use, root cause analysis, Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles, audit and feedback, and reporting of quality outcomes aligned with national and international standards.

Scope

This program covers core concepts and applied practices related to research and quality improvement in infection prevention, including:

• Basics of research methodology relevant to infection prevention and control (IPC)
• Differentiating research, audit, and quality improvement activities in healthcare settings
• Identifying infection prevention problems using surveillance data and risk assessment
• Designing and implementing QI projects (PDSA, audit cycles, bundle compliance improvement)
• Data collection, analysis, interpretation, and simple outcome measurement
• HAI surveillance indicators (CLABSI, CAUTI, SSI, VAP, device utilization ratios, compliance rates)
• Root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action planning for infection outbreaks or trends
• Documentation, reporting, and presentation of QI and IPC outcomes
• Alignment with hospital quality programs, NABH/NABL/JCI expectations, and infection control committees

Objectives

By the end of the program, learners will be able to:

• Understand key principles of research, audit, and quality improvement in infection prevention.
• Identify priority infection risks and improvement opportunities using surveillance and audit data.
• Plan and execute basic QI projects focused on reducing HAIs and improving compliance.
• Apply tools such as PDSA cycles, checklists, run charts, and simple indicators for monitoring progress.
• Analyze infection-related data to assess trends, effectiveness of interventions, and gaps.
• Participate effectively in infection control committee meetings and quality reviews.
• Prepare clear documentation and reports to support accreditation, audits, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based infection prevention practices.

Who Can Enroll

This program is suitable for:

• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) nurses and officers
• Quality managers and patient safety teams
• Staff nurses and nursing supervisors
• Junior doctors, residents, and clinicians involved in IPC activities
• Microbiology and epidemiology support staff
• Hospital administrators involved in quality and compliance
• Nursing students and healthcare trainees with interest in IPC and quality improvement

Study Content from TERRALEAP.COM

Learners receive structured study support through TERRALEAP.COM, including:

• Concept-based learning modules on research and quality improvement in IPC
• Practical videos explaining QI tools, surveillance indicators, and project design
• Support resources to help translate learning into real hospital-based improvement projects