Infection preventionists (IPs) need five hours a day just to collect and crunch data to comply with federal reporting requirements on healthcare associated infections (HAIs). That limits their time for activities that protect patients, such as rounds, safety drills, practice observation and answering hospital staff’s safety-related questions. The pressure is heavier when state and local HAI reporting requirements apply, said Sharon Parillo, R.N., the New Jersey hospital IP who calculated this burden in 2015.

Recent TRSA efforts to educate hospital staff about the proper care and use of linen has helped IPs extend their time protecting patients. More than 1,500 ...