Infection prevention and control is one of the most closely monitored and mission-critical areas in long-term care. It’s more than a regulatory requirement, it’s the foundation of resident safety, staff protection, and organizational credibility. When infection prevention breaks down, the impact can be immediate and far-reaching: outbreaks, survey deficiencies, reputational damage, and loss of trust.
At Qsource, we understand that infection control is not a binder of policies, it’s a set of systems, habits, and real-time decisions that have to work every day, in the real world. Our consultants help nursing homes build infection prevention programs that are resilient, measurable, and sustainable, so facilities can perform at their best under both daily operations and survey scrutiny.
Infection Prevention: A High-Stakes Priority Under F880
Under CMS F880: Infection Prevention and Control, facilities are required to establish and maintain an Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) that provides a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment while helping prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections.
Surveyors frequently cite F880 when facilities fail to:
- Maintain consistent hand hygiene or PPE compliance
- Monitor and track infection data accurately
- Conduct timely outbreak investigations
- Provide ongoing staff education
- Integrate infection control findings into QAPI
According to CMS and CDC, effective infection control programs must include surveillance, prevention, investigation, and education, led by a qualified Infection Preventionist (IP). But too often, infection control programs falter when policies don’t translate to practice. Qsource helps bridge that gap—turning compliance requirements into habits that actually work at the bedside.
A Practical Approach to a Complex Challenge
Most nursing homes already have infection control policies on paper. The challenge lies in implementation and consistency, especially when systems are under pressure from staffing shortages, admissions surges, or increased acuity.
Qsource’s infection prevention consulting focuses on identifying where those breakdowns occur and rebuilding systems that are practical, teachable, and sustainable. We tailor every engagement to the facility’s unique environment, workforce, and risk profile.
Our experts work with facilities on:
- Hand hygiene auditing and staff compliance monitoring
- PPE usage standardization and supply chain readiness
- Environmental cleaning workflows and communication between departments
- Catheter care, wound management, and central line maintenance
- Resident cohorting and isolation precautions
- Survey preparation and infection control documentation review
Our approach isn’t about adding more forms, it’s about improving workflows and accountability at every level.
Learning from Real-World Results
Infection prevention often fails where theory meets practice. We work alongside staff to observe workflows, identify missed steps, and reinforce habits through coaching, not criticism.
Examples of success from Qsource-supported facilities:
- A facility cited under F880 improved compliance by over 60% after implementing targeted CNA education and a simplified hand hygiene monitoring tool that made data tracking easier for supervisors.
- Another facility resolved repeated PPE citations after Qsource helped them reorganize PPE stations for accessibility and integrate compliance checks into daily shift huddles.
- A rural nursing home reduced infection-related hospital transfers by embedding antibiotic stewardship practices, a CMS expectation under the IPCP, into its QAPI meetings.
Small, data-driven changes often make the biggest difference. Our consultants ensure that improvement is both measurable and meaningful.
Building an Infection Prevention Culture from the Inside Out
Effective infection prevention requires a whole-team approach. Every department, from nursing to housekeeping, plays a role in reducing transmission risks. Qsource helps facilities align every level of the organization toward infection prevention excellence.
Key focus areas include:
- Clinical teams: Ongoing training in device care, wound management, and accurate documentation.
- CNAs: Empowering frontline staff to report early signs of infection or skin changes.
- Housekeeping and dietary staff: Reinforcing cleaning, sanitation, and cross-contamination prevention practices.
- Leadership teams: Ensuring consistent oversight, accountability, and data-driven QAPI follow-up.
We also help facilities develop feedback systems that make infection prevention visible and actionable—using data dashboards, tracking logs, and coaching loops that reinforce positive habits.
Strengthening Compliance Through QAPI Integration
Infection control doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s a key component of Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI). CMS expects facilities to use QAPI data to identify infection trends, monitor interventions, and evaluate outcomes over time.
Qsource helps facilities:
- Design infection tracking systems that capture both facility-acquired and community-onset infections
- Conduct root cause analyses after outbreaks or repeat citations
- Integrate IPC findings into monthly QAPI discussions
- Build ongoing competency programs to reinforce staff accountability
This approach transforms infection control from a reactive task into a continuous improvement system, aligning compliance with real operational benefit.
Readiness That Extends Beyond the Survey
While infection prevention is a top survey focus, true readiness is achieved when systems hold strong even when no one is watching. Facilities that embed infection control into their culture—through clear processes, empowered staff, and reliable monitoring—are better prepared for any situation, whether it’s a state inspection, a viral outbreak, or a staffing crisis.
Qsource helps nursing homes:
- Audit and strengthen IPC programs
- Develop emergency preparedness plans that include outbreak management
- Align policies with CMS and CDC guidance, including the Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship
- Train infection preventionists to manage compliance documentation with confidence
Our goal isn’t to point out problems, it’s to strengthen the systems you already have and ensure every team member knows how to sustain success.
Partnering for Long-Term Protection and Quality
Infection prevention is not just about compliance, it’s about protecting lives. By turning regulatory expectations into daily practices, facilities can reduce risk, improve outcomes, and build trust with families, residents, and surveyors alike.
Qsource’s decades of experience in long-term care quality improvement give facilities the tools, training, and confidence to succeed, from the inside out.