Perspectives on Federal Funding for State Health Care–Associated Infection Programs: Achievements, Barriers, and Implications for Sustainability. (August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ellingson, Katherine; McCormick, Kelly; Woodard, Tiffanee; Garcia-Williams, Amanda; Mendel, Peter; Kahn, Katherine; McDonald, Clifford; Jernigan, John; Sinkowitz-Cochran, Ronda
• Is Part Of: Medical care research and review. Volume 71:Number 4(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 402
• Page End: 415
• Publication Date: 2014-08
• Subjects: health care–associated infections -- qualitative research -- federal funding; Medical care -- United States -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Research -- Periodicals; Medical economics -- United States -- Periodicals; Medical economics -- Periodicals; 362.10973
• DOI: 10.1177/1077558714533825
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-5587

Abstract

In September 2009, federal funding for health care–associated infection (HAI) program development was dispersed through a cooperative agreement to 51 state and territorial health departments. From July to September 2011, 69 stakeholders from six states—including state health department employees, representatives from partner organizations, and health care facility employees—were interviewed to assess state HAI program achievements, implementation barriers, and strategies for sustainability. Respondents most frequently cited enhanced HAI surveillance as a program achievement and resource constraints as an implementation barrier. To sustain programs, respondents recommended ongoing support for HAI prevention activities, improved surveillance processes, and maintenance of partnerships. Findings suggest that state-level HAI program growth was achieved during the cooperative agreement but that maintenance of programs faces challenges.