Measles cases are on the rise globally and here in Illinois the number is increasing as well. Vaccines are 97% effective in preventing this highly contagious disease. To learn more about this infection and get information on vaccination, go to https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/measles.html. Learn how to identify measles and the safe and effective vaccine that can prevent this potentially life-threatening infection for adults and children.

Infection Prevention Liaison Program

Resources

Note: This photo was taken at an ICAR visit and is permitted for education purpose only.

Background

In 2015, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) received the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (ELC) Domestic Ebola Supplement Award to develop sustainable capacities to assess and address gaps in infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings throughout the State of Illinois. The award led to the implementation of the Infection Prevention Liaison Program, which performs onsite assessments, identifies strengths and gaps, provides expert consultation to facilities on how to mitigate gaps, and follows up to ensure mitigation strategies are implemented.

Since 2016, APIC Consulting Services, Inc. (APIC Consulting) has been working collaboratively with IDPH to conduct comprehensive on-site assessments at Ebola and non-Ebola facility settings in Illinois to identify gaps, provide recommendations, and develop education and training opportunities to address these gaps. As part of the Infection Prevention Liaison Program, a team of highly experienced APIC Consultants with Certification in Infection Control (CIC®) are conducting free, non-regulatory on-site assessments using CDC's national Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) process.

The CDC ICAR Tools and supplemental tools are designed to systematically evaluate infection prevention and control practices and procedures at healthcare facilities and to inform quality improvement strategies. Assessments are being conducted in acute care hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, other outpatient settings, and hemodialysis centers. Participating facilities are provided with site-specific recommendations and guidance.

Funding

The Illinois Infection Prevention Liaison Program is developed with support from IDPH, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the CDC.

Request a FREE Infection Prevention Liaison Assessment and Consultation

IDPH invites eligible facilities in the State of Illinois to request an on-site infection control assessment and consultation.

Request Consultation

Eligible Facilities

Acute care facilities (including acute hospitals, critical access hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals)
Long-term care facilities (including skilled nursing facilities, ventilator skilled nursing facilities)
Outpatient settings (including ambulatory surgery centers)
Hemodialysis centers

Infection Prevention (IP) Liaison Onsite Assessment Process

After requesting an IP Liaison visit, you will be contacted to schedule the one-day onsite assessment.
Once a visit date is scheduled, an agenda and visit details will be provided.
On the day of the visit, the IP Liaison team will tour the facility and observe infection prevention and control practices.
After the visit, the facility point of contact will receive a summary of findings, including the strengths, opportunities for improvement, and recommendations aimed at addressing identified gaps in infection prevention and control practices.

REQUEST a FREE Infection Prevention (IP) Liaison Assessment and Consultation

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) invites eligible facilities in the State of Illinois to request an IP Liaison visit here.