WA Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAIAR) Outpatient Network
The HAIAR Section at the department hosts a network focused on healthcare infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship in outpatient settings throughout Washington. This network of partners work together to prioritize and address HAIAR and antibiotic prescribing issues in outpatient settings, using the CDC's Success Framework for HAI/AR Partner Networks.
About the HAIAR Outpatient Network
The WA Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAIAR) Outpatient Network, hosted by the HAIAR Section at the department, focuses on infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship in outpatient settings across Washington. Our network partners collaborate to address HAIAR and antibiotic prescribing issues, guided by the CDC's Success Framework for HAI/AR Partner Networks
Network Resources
In 2024, a workgroup of HAIAR Outpatient Network members developed a resource document for Infection Preventionists who are new to the outpatient setting. This playbook is divided into chapters that cover basic and advanced topics, including Core Practices, Sterilization and Antimicrobial Stewardship.
What is outpatient care?
- When a person receives medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital.
- It is a very broad area in medical care, and it presents unique challenges for preventing infections.
- Outpatient settings can include community health centers, dialysis centers, urgent care, retail clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, public health clinics, imaging centers, oncology clinics, ambulatory behavioral health and substance abuse clinics, physical therapy, rehabilitation centers, dental offices, and more.
Join the HAIAR Outpatient Network
We continue to welcome partners to join this effort that have a wide range of experiences in outpatient settings. Your expertise and insights will be key to helping us build a network that will meet the needs of our state and help us to better reach this important clinical setting.
To indicate your interest, emailhai@doh.wa.gov with subject line “HAIAR Outpatient Network”
Resources
- CDC's Success Framework for HAI/AR Partner Networks:
- Bree Collaborative Outpatient Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines
- Vital Signs: Health Disparities in Hemodialysis-Associated Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections — United States, 2017–2020 | MMWR
- Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
- Antimicrobial stewardship in the primary care setting: from dream to reality?
- North Carolina Statewide Program for Infection Control & Epidemiology
Contact Us
For more information, please contactHAI@doh.wa.gov.