Recommendations for change in infection prevention programs and practice

Fifty years of evolution in infection prevention and control programs have involved significant accomplishments related to clinical practices, methodologies, and technology. However, regulatory mandates, and resource and research limitations, coupled with emerging infection threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic, present considerable challenges for infection preventionists. This article provides guidance and recommendations in 14 key areas. These interventions should be considered for implementation by United States health care facilities in the near future. •Infection prevention challenges posed in present-day healthcare settings have created new questions and compelled infection preventionists to re-assess our approaches to reduce infection risk and to control known and emerging pathogens.•The article addresses issues and provides recommendations for change in fourteen key challenges facing present-day infection prevention programs.•The article addresses the challenges with insight on system components including leadership, education, implementation, procedures, infection surveillance, and technical advances that may assist infection preventionist to enhance intervention programs.