The following article was originally published in Preventing Infection in Ambulatory Care, the quarterly e-publication from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). To learn more about receiving this resource and joining APIC, visit www.apic.org/ambulatorynewsletter. To learn more about APIC, visit www.apic.org.
On a daily basis, I field inquiries from leaders and staff members from a variety of healthcare settings. I help answer a number of complex questions and simple concerns — from issues involving individual patients or the healthcare organization as a whole, to those relating to professional practices and personal work-life balance. There is no denying that the healthcare environment is complex in all settings and on all levels. So how can a group of similarly purposed APIC professionals impact positive change?
I have the wonderful benefit of networking with many infection preventionists (IPs) in person while I travel to local, regional and national events promoting overall ambulatory infection prevention and espousing the benefits of the survey process. IPs have helped me better understand the daily difficulties they confront. It is knowledge and insight I've gained from IPs that allows me to assist and inform future inquirers. Networking is a great way for IPs to identify mentors. Set a goal to engage in more networking to grow in personal and professional ways. Here's how networking pays off:
1. Learn how other colleagues tackle(d) the same or a similar challenge.
Old saying: Don't reinvent the wheel. New saying: Just tweak the wheel that has already been proven as a solution. Do not waste time on duplicate work efforts. Many ambulatory care challenges have multiple solutions that are already proven and readily available. Use a search engine to identify an evidence-based solution, tweak it (as needed), and move on! My favorite search engine is Google Scholar [go to the Google toolbar, click "More" and scroll down to "Scholar" to use it].
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Some readers may be wondering how using Google Scholar could be considered networking — remember, there's a person or persons behind those evidence-based links. Many links contain the names of the author(s) and email address(es), so it is possible to directly contact the author with questions.
2. Identify and emulate the admired skills/traits/abilities of others.
It is impossible to be a subject matter expert in all subjects. Part of being a leader is being aware of one's own knowledge gaps. Identify the deficit, find a "subject matter expert," and be direct. For example, if you observe another person managing a personnel issue and wish you had that same management skill, reach out to that person and add him/her to your networking list. A little blatant flattery might work: "I really respected how you handled that issue with Mary this morning. Could you share with me how you learned to feel comfortable with (insert issue here) …?"
3. Ascertain valuable sources of needed or "new-for-you" information.
Repeat after me: "I am not the first person ever to be new at infection prevention. Others have learned and so will I." Following the previous tips, make a plan to obtain needed education. Becoming an active and fully participating member of a local APIC chapter is an excellent way to get started. At the very first meeting, there will be a room full of people who were also once the "new IP on the block."
Also note that new IPs may know more than they think they do. Share knowledge freely with all who could benefit. APIC recently launched a wonderful networking webpage — MyAPIC — in which many APIC cohorts ask and respond to infection prevention concerns from others. The topics list and posted comments grow daily. Take advantage of this easy-to-use communication method (www.apic.org/myapic). Problem(s) solved!
4. Access and share information and brainstorm solutions.
While attending a conference — large or small — do not use the scheduled meeting breaks just for visiting the pastry table. Here's a different idea: Arrive at the meeting break with one or two troublesome issues that are high on your "to-be-resolved" list. For example, one of those troublesome issues might be finding an improved method to determine staff ongoing competency in a specific high-risk task. Upon arrival at the conference, scan the attendee list for prospective networking buddies (with similar practice settings or who are geographically close). Or simply join a small group of conference attendees (who might be wolfing down cookies) and plead for some on-the-spot brainstorming. Don't use those conference breaks to load up on calories; instead "load up" on new networking buddies.
P.S. At APIC's live training courses, Infection Prevention for Ambulatory Surgery Centers: Meeting CMS Conditions for Coverage and Education for the Prevention of Infection, all attendees are supplied with a sheet of preprinted business cards; put them to good use. Set a goal to collect as many attendee business cards as possible, while giving away every single one of your own.
In today's electronic environment, there are many ways to network. Social media has helped millions of people connect quickly and its use need not be limited to personal. Try texting a networking buddy – it is faster than waiting for an email response and easier for the respondent. Get the free Bump app (http://bu.mp) for your smart phone; it is very useful in large gatherings. This app shares pre-programmed contact information with another smart phone when the two phones are tapped together.
Networking enlarges the IP's circle of resources, shares and expands their knowledge, and increases their personal and professional skills. These are all valuable tools in improving quality and safety for patients. Commit to the next higher level and everyone benefits!
More Articles Featuring APIC:
Staff Education Tool: 'Your Patient has Respiratory Symptoms - So What?' Brochure
Automating Infection Surveillance in Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Important Considerations: Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization in the Ambulatory Setting