How can the infection preventionist (IP) act as a collaborator?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the infection preventionist and other departments to enhance infection control measures. Working with the environmental services staff to improve terminal room cleaning exemplifies a collaborative approach, as it fosters communication and shared goals between different teams within the healthcare setting. This teamwork is crucial because environmental cleaning is a key factor in preventing the spread of infections. By engaging with environmental services, the infection preventionist can ensure that cleaning protocols are effectively implemented and tailored to meet the specific needs of the facility, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and reduced infection rates.

In contrast, working independently on infection control neglects the value of teamwork and may lead to missed opportunities for improvement. Simply monitoring compliance does not actively engage with other staff members to facilitate change or enhance practices. Conducting weekly staff meetings can support communication; however, without specific focuses on collaborative efforts with departments like environmental services, this option may not have a direct impact on infection prevention strategies.