title: Infection prevention and control practitioners: improving engagement.
abstract: Every healthcare worker plays a vital part in minimising the risk of cross infection. Infection prevention and control (IPC) practitioners have the skills and competencies to assist organisations in improving engagement among staff and play a vital part in achieving this. IPC practitioners have skills in clinical practice, education, research and leadership, and these skills ensure high-quality care for patients and support strategies for engaging staff. This article highlights how IPC practitioners' skills and competencies are required for preventing infection and improving staff engagement. Engaged staff generate positive outcomes for both patients and staff, which is a welcome result for all healthcare organisations.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Lead, Infection Prevention & Control, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Ann-Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Aziz
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D000066491:Clinical Decision-Making; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D016357:Infection Control Practitioners / Q000592:standards*; D007857:Leadership; D016272:Occupational Health
keywords: Employee engagement; Infection prevention; Infection prevention practitioners; Patient safety; Risk management