‘SMART Toolkit’ empowers healthcare leaders with actionable strategies to reduce HAIs

Editor's Note

A new digital resource is helping hospital leaders strengthen infection prevention efforts by focusing not just on bedside protocols, but on management strategies proven to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The “SMART Toolkit,” developed by researchers at The Ohio State University and launched in July 2022, offers a free, web-based collection of practical tools aimed at reducing rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), American Journal of Infection Control June 5 reports.

According to the article, the toolkit builds on the findings of the SMART (Searching for Management Approaches to Reduce HAI Transmission) study, a multisite, federally funded investigation that identified management practices used by hospitals with strong HAI performance. These practices—such as goal setting, strategic communication, systematic education, and interprofessional collaboration—form the foundation of the toolkit’s six core modules: Communicating HAI Data, Rewards and Recognition, Speaking Up, Patient and Family Education, Tiered Huddles, and EHR Alerts.

The online toolkit includes ready-to-use facilitator guides, presentation slides, communication templates, case studies, simulation exercises, and evaluation tools. Designed for both clinical and administrative leaders, the toolkit also meets ADA digital accessibility standards and is tailored to a variety of end users, including infection preventionists and frontline managers.

Among the most accessed modules are Tiered Huddles and EHR Alerts, reflecting strong interest in improving real-time communication and leveraging digital tools to drive infection control. For instance, the Tiered Huddles module provides detailed guidance on how to implement structured, cascading leadership huddles to escalate safety concerns and monitor HAI performance. The EHR Alerts module includes design recommendations for clinical decision support tools that are meaningful and non-disruptive to workflow.

Importantly, the SMART Toolkit addresses a well-documented challenge in HAI prevention: inconsistent outcomes despite standard bedside protocols. By targeting managerial practices, the toolkit aims to close this gap. It complements traditional infection control bundles with leadership-level interventions shown to influence staff engagement, interdisciplinary communication, and accountability. With over 3,000 site visits and sustained interest in its resources, the toolkit so far has been well-received within its originating health system and continues to attract external users, the article noted.