Survey said! LTC-CIP certificant's perspective with passing the certification exam.

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's severe long-term care (LTC) disease burden underscores the need for infection prevention and control (IPC) expertise in LTC facilities. Launched in 2023, the LTC Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) exam allows LTC infection preventionists to demonstrate proficiency in IPC program management. This study aims to evaluate the LTC-CIP certification's impact on certificants' IPC practices, programs, and personal and professional growth.

Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to all certificants in March 2024. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Eighty responses were collected (17% response rate). Key themes were identified regarding certification's impact on IPC practices, including best practice implementation, enhanced knowledge and skills, and increased confidence and professional growth. Respondents reported certification resulted in enhanced program effectiveness, improved staff knowledge and compliance, and increased leadership and influence. Additionally, certificants reported lower infection rates, improved antimicrobial stewardship and vaccine adherence, and stronger data analysis skills.

Discussion: The findings demonstrate LTC-CIP certificants were highly motivated to gain advanced LTC IPC knowledge and apply it to their IPC programs, leading to reported improvements in resident and staff outcomes.

Conclusions: This study highlights the LTC-CIP certification's positive impact on reported IPC practices, infection rates, and professional growth in LTC settings. Future research should validate findings with objective outcome data, assess long-term effects, broader applicability, and certification barriers.