Guidance

Quality improvement statement 6: Multi-agency working to reduce HCAIs

Quality improvement statement 6: Multi-agency working to reduce HCAIs

Statement

Trusts work proactively in multi-agency collaborations with other local health and social care providers to reduce risk from infection.

What does this mean for people visiting, or receiving treatment in, hospitals?

People visiting, or receiving treatment in, hospitals can expect the trust to be working collaboratively with other local health and social care providers to prevent and reduce harm from infection.

What does it mean for trust boards?

Boards are actively involved in local networks. They share governance structures, objectives and learning with other local health and social care providers to promote good practice among them.

Evidence of achievement

1. Evidence that a board member has been nominated as the trust's lead and representative for a multi-agency collaboration to prevent and manage HCAIs.

2. Evidence of support for, and participation in, joint working initiatives beyond mandatory or contractual requirements, to reduce HCAIs locally.

3. Evidence of an agreed policy for data sharing on HCAIs between local organisations.

4. Evidence of timely sharing of information risk assessments and strategic efforts to minimise harm from infection with other agencies.

5. Evidence of a defined, shared and agreed governance structure with other local health and social care providers that includes clear lines of accountability.

6. Evidence of support for, and participation in, the development and implementation of a joint local strategy, policy and pathway on HCAIs between local health and social care providers.

7. Evidence of participation in the development of shared targets and joint working with other local health and social care providers to improve outcomes locally relating to HCAIs.

8. Evidence that the trust works collaboratively with the local health protection unit and other health partners to investigate and manage HCAI outbreaks and incidents. Evidence is particularly needed of collaboration to deal with incidents which may impact on the health of the wider community.

Practical examples

  • Documented terms of reference for multi-agency collaboration to reduce HCAIs.

  • Audit of outputs from collaboration disseminated to relevant trust committees (for example, clinical governance and policy development groups).

  • Audits of outputs from relevant learning methodologies are shared with other local health and social care providers.

Health and Social Care Act code of practice

No relevant criteria identified.

Relevant national indicators

None identified.