High level of infection prevention and control in surveyed hospitals in Colombia, 2021

OBJECTIVE. This study aimed to determine the performance of infection prevention and control (IPC) programs in eight core components in level 2 and level 3 hospitals across all provinces in Colombia. METHODS. This cross-sectional study used self-assessed IPC performance data voluntarily reported by hospitals to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection during 2021. Each of the eight core components of the World Health Organization’s checklist in the Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework contributes a maximum score of 100, and the overall IPC performance score is the sum of these component scores. IPC performance is graded according to the overall score as inadequate (0–200), basic (201–400), intermediate (401–600) or advanced (601–800). RESULTS. Of the 441 level 2 and level 3 hospitals, 267 (61%) reported their IPC performance. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) overall IPC score was 672 (IQR: 578–715). Of the 267 hospitals reporting, 187 (70%) achieved an advanced level of IPC. The median overall IPC score was significantly higher in private hospitals (690, IQR: 598–725) than in public hospitals (629, IQR: 538–683) (P < 0.001). Among the core components, scores were highest for the category assessing IPC guidelines (median score: 97.5) and lowest for the category assessing workload, staffing and bed occupancy (median score: 70). Median overall IPC scores varied across the provinces (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS. This countrywide assessment showed that 70% of surveyed hospitals achieved a self-reported advanced level of IPC performance, which reflects progress in building health system resilience. Since only 61% of eligible hospitals participated, an important next step is to ensure the participation of all hospitals in future assessments.