Infection Control Training Courses: Are They Worthwhile for Design & Construction Professionals?

Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) still pose a major threat to patients in healthcare facilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 1.7 million people acquire HAIs each year and 99,000 people die as a result of these infections. Additionally about 5,000 of these people die of preventable infections that are directly linked to the spread of bacteria and mold from construction and renovation activities.

Unfortunately, HAIs don’t just take lives; they also cost the healthcare industry billions of dollars each year. The CDC estimates that HAIs result in up to $45 billion in direct annual costs for inpatient hospital services. However, approximately 70 percent of HAIs are preventable. By eliminating preventable infections, the healthcare industry could save up to $31 billion annually, or up to $25,000 for each HAI prevented.

It’s no wonder that hospitals are not only looking for ways to contain infectious bacteria in the healthcare environment, but also how to prevent them from developing in the first place.

With increasing concerns about patient health and healthcare costs, hospitals are looking for design and construction professionals who can help them tackle infection control risks that may arise at any point during a project. And the demand isn’t just coming from the healthcare industry.  Several states have already mandated submittal of infection control plans for any and all construction and renovation projects for healthcare facilities. Furthermore, updates released in the 2014 FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities reflect the increasing demand for design and construction professionals with infection control training.

In a nutshell: it is essential that any design and construction professional who works on healthcare projects have at least basic knowledge of infection control risks, protocals and solutions.

After all, designers and construction professionals are an essential part of the solution in creating designs and choosing materials that can minimize the spread and growth of bacteria in hospitals. Regardless of whether you’re tackling a new construction project or renovation of an existing structure, one thing remains true: effective infection prevention starts with good design and planning.

As a design and construction professional, formal training on infection control in healthcare construction will help you keep up with the growing need for infection prevention solutions in healthcare facilities. You’ll not only be equipped with the knowledge you need to keep up with industry standards, but you’ll also show clients that you’re the best partner for their design and construction needs.

For design professionals: infection control courses oftentimes fulfill HSW credits. Check with your provider to see your course is certified to fulfill your training requirements.

Where can you find infection control courses?

AMI Environmental, in partnership with the Construction Infection Control Training Institute (CICTI) currently offers an infection control course called “Infection Prevention Considerations in Healthcare Design and Construction” that is designed for Architects, Engineers and Executive-Level Healthcare Owners and Contractors. The course covers both new construction and renovation of old construction. It fulfills 4 hours of HSW credits. Please contact Daniel Taylor for information and questions regarding the course.

How can AMI Environmental help protect building occupants and the reputation of owners?

At AMI Environmental, our main goal is to assist organizations and create a safe working environment, while adhering to government regulations. With decades of experience in healthcare, our Industrial Hygiene Professionals’ purpose is to help our clients not only protect building occupants and workers, but also to manage risk. Allowing you to then enjoy the peace of mind knowing everyone will be protected from harm. AMI will work with design and construction professionals to establish and maintain a safe built environment, including surveying facilities for risks; provide testing within a facility; maintain testing protocol; and assist in the recording process. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dan Taylor at dantaylor@amienvironmental.com.

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