Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Program
Helps prevent infections by working with hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities
Who we are
The Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI) Program is part of the Infectious Disease Program in the Section of Epidemiology.
What we do
The HAI Program works with health care facilities, like hospitals and nursing homes, to prevent infections by reviewing reports, providing prevention advice, supporting healthcare workers during investigations, and promoting proper antibiotic use.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients get while being treated in a hospital or health care setting. These infections can cause serious problems, but many are preventable. Health care providers must report infections with nationally important drug-resistant bacteria to the state. This includes CRE and VRSA, along with unusual drug resistance. Outbreaks of any type of infection must also be reported. The HAI Program can assist with investigations and control efforts.
Resources
Program information
New Infection Preventionist Welcome Packet
New Infection Preventionist Welcome Packet
Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) Consultations
Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) Consultations
The HAI program uses tools from the CDC to help hospitals and other healthcare places check and improve their infection prevention practices. They offer virtual and in-person consultations, helping healthcare settings respond to outbreaks or prevent them. Facilities can choose the type of consultation based on their needs. Schedule your ICAR today: email rebecca.hamel@alaska.gov.
Alaska Infection Prevention Network (AKIPN)
Alaska Infection Prevention Network (AKIPN)
Healthcare workers can join the Alaska Infection Prevention Network (AKIPN) email group to get updates and connect with others in the field.
To join the Alaska IP Network (AKIPN) email list, contact Miranda Burzinski at mburzinski@mpqhf.org or Rebecca Hamel at rebecca.hamel@alaska.gov.
Alaska Infection Control and Prevention Advisory Council (AK-ICPAC)
Alaska Infection Control and Prevention Advisory Council (AK-ICPAC)
The Alaska Infection Control and Prevention Advisory Council (AK-ICPAC) includes professionals from different fields, like infection, prevention, public health, and pharmacy. This council helps coordinate infection prevention efforts across Alaska.
HAI Data
HAI Data
The HAI Program collects data on infections and how to help prevent them using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).
The CDC produces a HAI Progress Report that draws on NHSN data.
Alaska-specific data about antibiotic resistance
Regional Antibiogram Project
Alaska-specific data about antibiotic resistance
Regional Antibiogram Project
The Regional Antibiogram Project is the most recent data available for Alaska about antibiotic resistance.
An Epidemiology Bulletin explains the project and selected results. The actual antibiograms can also be downloaded.
Antibiograms older than 25 months can be found on the Alaska State Libraries Archives & Museums digital collections portal.
HAI Education for Staff
HAI Education for Staff
The HAI Program provides many learning opportunities, including webinars and in-person events, to help health care workers learn about infection prevention. Each year, the program supports either an Infection Prevention Conference or a two-day Infection Prevention Boot Camp for new or part-time staff.
Resources for Health Care Providers
Resources for Health Care Providers
Contact the HAI Program (below) if you have a specific issue or questions about infection prevention situations. In addition, we recommend the following sites:
- For injection safety: CDC's Preventing Unsafe Injection Practices
- For HAI reporting requirements: NHSN
- For antimicrobial stewardship in AK: A2SC
- For antimicrobial stewardship in general: CDC's Antibiotic Prescribing and Use
- For infection prevention best practice guidelines: APIC, SHEA, and CDC
- For CDC's latest report on antibiotic resistance threats: Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States 2019
Healthcare Facility Outbreak Guide
Healthcare Facility Outbreak Guide
Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs)
CDC guidance for responding to MDROs:MDRO Containment Strategy
Most MDROs are currently considered Tier 2 for Alaska.
To report a suspected or confirmed MDRO case, please contact the Section of Epidemiology at 907-269-8000.
Responding to Common Outbreaks in Alaskan Healthcare Settings