ST. LOUIS (October 15, 2014) – Infection Control University (ICU), the leading provider of managing risks and reducing Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs), has launched a patent-pending online learning center that provides Infection Control Awareness training certification to all hospital and contractor employees who work in healthcare facilities. As a cloud-based learning center, ICU provides staff and contractors with 24/7 access to information and proven techniques to reduce Hospital Acquired Infections.

“With increasing penalties from regulators and constant pressure from litigators, hospitals face challenges when it comes to providing the best quality patient care.” said Thom Wellington, Founder of ICU. “The ICU program is designed to minimize exposure to infectious agents and helps patients stay healthier as well as the hospital’s bottom line.”

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studies show over half of the outbreaks of infection were associated with construction and maintenance activities in hospitals. The cost of HAI cases cost hospitals over $30.5 billion dollars annually. Along with an Infection Control Awareness training certification, the ICU program meets American Institute of Architects (AIA) protocols, saves valuable time, enforces safer work practices and helps to promote a much safer, healthier facility.

To launch ICU, Wellington turned to Tom Sears, Co-Founder of Research Based Solutions. Research Based Solutions is a recognized leader in performance management for sales and service organizations. Sears is a learning and behavioral management expert who helped launch the internationally recognized research organization in 2011. The company creates and sells behavior-based assessments and sophisticated learning management systems that are used around the world to improve productivity, reduce turnover, and prepare individuals for success. With this background, Sears established a plan for ICU’s success.

“With no cost to the hospital and unlimited usage for employees, ICU trains and certifies outside contractors in this critical area to minimize the causes of HAIs,” said Tom Sears, Co-founder and VP of Strategic Relationships at ICU. “The set-up fee for participating contractors is a minor expense and maintenance costs for their entire staff are very low, providing access for all employees at any time via desktop computer or through any smart device.”