How to Strengthen the Core of Your Infection Prevention Program (Monthly IP Review Guide)
- Missy Travis MSN RN CIC FAPIC
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
A strong Infection Prevention Program depends on consistent review, accurate education, and alignment with current regulatory guidance. This monthly guide walks Infection Preventionists through key annual review tasks to strengthen compliance and program integrity.
Why Annual Infection Prevention Program Reviews Matter
Welcome to this month’s IP Mentor Monthly Digest—your go-to resource for practical, real-world infection prevention guidance.
As we continue building momentum this year, now is the ideal time to pause and ensure the foundational elements of your Infection Prevention Program are solid, current, and aligned with best practices.
Core Elements of a Strong Infection Prevention Program
This month’s focus is on program integrity—making sure your education, disinfectant practices, and guiding standards are up to date and truly reflect what’s happening in your facility.
These are the behind-the-scenes tasks that don’t always feel urgent, but they are essential for compliance, credibility, and long-term success.
Program Foundations
A strong Infection Prevention Program is built on more than policies—it’s built on alignment.
This is a great time of year to:
Confirm your annual program and training plans are complete
Ensure key elements are reviewed and approved by the appropriate committee
Identify gaps early, before they turn into survey findings or missed opportunities
Laying this groundwork now makes the rest of the year far more manageable.
Disinfectant Review Spotlight
One often-overlooked annual task is reviewing your facility disinfectant list.
Each year, your disinfectants should be reviewed and approved by your Infection Prevention Committee (or the committee overseeing your program). Just as important—make sure the products on your approved list are the same ones staff are actually using.
A helpful approach is to conduct rounds with your Environmental Services leader and confirm:
EPA registration numbers are present on labels
Correct contact times are being followed
Appropriate PPE is used
Products match their intended use and kill claims
Only approved disinfectants are in use
Disinfectants align with manufacturer instructions for surfaces
Creating a thorough checklist now will make next year’s review much easier—and help prevent inconsistencies between policy and practice.
Education & Training Spotlight
The beginning of the year often brings a renewed focus on education. One tool I frequently use when developing training sessions is Bloom’s Taxonomy.
Bloom’s Taxonomy helps ensure learning objectives are clear, focused, and tied to real-world application—not just information delivery. For Infection Preventionists, this means designing education that moves staff beyond “knowing” policies to actually applying safe practices.
IP Tip:
When writing objectives, ask:
👉 What action should staff be able to take after this training?
Clear objectives keep both the educator and the learner on track.
Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly infection prevention updates and resources.
Guideline & Standards Review Another critical annual task is reviewing new or updated guidelines.
Many organizations update guidance regularly—some annually, others throughout the year. Taking time now to review key sources can prevent missed changes that impact compliance or reporting.
Common resources to review include:
National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
CDC guidance
CMS requirements
OSHA standards
State regulations and reportable disease updates
Accrediting organization standards (e.g., The Joint Commission)
As you review, keep a running list of any new guidance and note whether it’s been implemented, is in progress, or needs follow-up. This simple tracking method helps you stay organized and survey-ready.
While it may feel overwhelming, most guidelines don’t change drastically year to year. Once you establish a review process, it becomes much easier to maintain.
IP Mentor Insight
Strong Infection Prevention Programs aren’t built overnight—they’re built through consistent review, intentional planning, and thoughtful follow-through.
If you’re checking these items off your list, you’re doing exactly what you should be doing. Keep going.
💼 Need Support?
If you need support reviewing your Infection Prevention Program, strengthening education, or organizing compliance documentation, explore my resources designed specifically for Infection Preventionists.
You’ve got this—and you’re not doing it alone.
Until next time,
Missy
IP Mentor
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About IP&C Consulting At IP&C Consulting, I help healthcare organizations and infection preventionists strengthen their programs through consulting, education, and coaching. Learn more about my services here.
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