APIC Releases White Paper on the Impact of Health Disparities and Inequities in Infection Prevention
Arlington, VA, February 5, 2025 – The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has released a white paper written by the Health Equity Committee titled The Impact of Health Disparities and Inequities on Infection Prevention and Control. This paper explores the critical intersection of infection prevention and social determinants of health, shedding light on systemic inequities that contribute to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
The white paper underscores the critical role infection preventionists have in addressing disparities, improving patient outcomes, and fostering a more inclusive healthcare system. The paper highlights insights from focus groups, surveys, and a literature review on how racial, economic, and geographic disparities impact patient safety, infection outcomes, and access to quality care. It examines barriers faced by marginalized and vulnerable communities, such as limited healthcare access, inadequate infection prevention resources, and the effects of implicit bias within healthcare systems.
While many HAIs are preventable through infection prevention and control measures, some infections are influenced by patient-level factors, including race, income, comorbidities, disability, geographic location, and poverty. These factors are often overlooked by standard infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, underscoring the need for a broader approach to mitigating infection risks.
In addition, the paper reviews growing literature on the relationship between social determinants of health (SDOH) and healthcare outcomes, with research indicating that medical care accounts for only 10-20% of health outcomes. Non-medical factors such as housing, education, and socioeconomic status significantly affect infection risks and patient health. Understanding these influences is essential for infection preventionists, as they shape the ability to implement effective infection control measures across diverse patient populations.
The white paper outlines strategies to integrate health equity into infection prevention, including recommendations for addressing disparities through policy changes, resource allocation, and the adoption of culturally competent care practices. These insights provide infection preventionists with actionable knowledge to enhance patient care and reduce health disparities in healthcare settings.
“The findings in this white paper highlight the urgent need to expand our approach to infection prevention,” said APIC President Carol McLay DrPH, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA. “For too long, traditional IPC practices have overlooked the broader social and economic conditions that put certain populations at higher risk. By acknowledging these disparities and integrating health equity into infection prevention efforts, we can create more effective, inclusive strategies that improve patient safety for all.”
The full white paper is available for download here.
About APIC
Founded in 1972, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is the leading association for infection preventionists and epidemiologists. With more than 15,000 members, APIC advances the science and practice of infection prevention and control. APIC carries out its mission through research, advocacy, and patient safety; education, credentialing, and certification; and fostering development of the infection prevention and control workforce of the future. Together with our members and partners, we are working toward a safer world through the prevention of infection. Join us and learn more at apic.org.
Media contacts: Aaron Cohen, aaroncohenpr@gmail.com, 301-633-6773; Malina Jacobowitz, mjacobowitz@apic.org
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