Two consecutive years of a high rate of health care-associated infections (HAIs) leading to increased health care costs and negative patient outcomes prompted intervention by Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital.   
A collaborative approach among infection prevention, quality, and operations was critical in understanding and addressing our problem. Providing ongoing data analysis was necessary for operations teams to support the necessary changes.

Focus was placed on engaging leaders early on, which elevated awareness of patient outcomes and implications caused by infections in the hospital. Providing knowledge and the “why” behind the work resulted in improved patient outcomes. Evidence-based practice guidelines and algorithms standardized workflows providing informed discussions and decision-making around patient care, which required leadership engagement and support. Continued data collection and analysis involving staff engagement encouraged the utilization of practice guidelines. Instituting staff workflows resulted in sustained improvement and maintained zero HAIs to date.