Infectious Disease Providers’ Knowledge of and Engagement in Quality Improvement

Abstract

Abstract Background Although engagement of infectious disease physicians has been demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes in a variety of disease states, the extent of ID physician engagement in quality improvement or their knowledge of QI has not been assessed. Methods A 12 question, web-based survey was distributed to members of the Infectious Disease Society of America between August and October 2019 to assess knowledge of and engagement in QI. The survey link was sent to IDSA members that self-identified patient care as their primary professional activity. Results Responses were received from 200 individuals (5.4% response rate which is just below standard IDSA survey response rate of 6%) consisting of 175 adult IDP. Most respondents were employed in a hospital or clinic (41%), private or group practice (25%), or university/medical center (24%). 58% of respondents currently participate in QI projects while 38% serve on QI oversight committees. Among respondents, 27% reported not being engaged in QI. Infection Prevention/Hospital Epidemiology (77%), stewardship (72%), and antimicrobial resistance (56%) were the most commonly reported measure types. Respondents reported barriers that limited participation in QI including cost (61%), lack of time (56%), lack of data collection resources (48%), and lack of an ID-specific registry (46%). IDPs report significant interest in additional training in QI and new quality measures. Conclusion Although IDPs participate in QI, there are gaps in QI knowledge and measurement systems. The low response rate of our survey also suggests a lack of engagement in QI amongst IDPs. Closing these gaps will benefit ID in a value-driven healthcare economy.