Prior to 2008, each Regional Health Authority in Alberta developed its own specific infection prevention and control (IPC) services and programs. When patient-safety gaps in IPC services were...
Description
Prior to 2008, each Regional Health Authority in Alberta developed its own specific infection prevention and control (IPC) services and programs. When patient-safety gaps in IPC services were identified in 2007, it was evident that a provincial, coordinated approach to IPC and hand hygiene was needed. In 2008, the ten-year Alberta Infection Prevention and Control Strategy and the Alberta Hand Hygiene Strategy were released. The strategies outlined objectives and proposed actions to improve IPC hand hygiene across Alberta’s health system and in Alberta communities. In 2013, at the mid-point of implementing the strategies, a series of external reviews were conducted to assess how well the goals and objectives of the strategies were being met. The reviews found that significant progress has been accomplished, but that more can be done.