1.18. PRINCIPLES IN THE PREVENTION OF INFECTION

Question 1

Infection Prevention & Control ( IPC)

Answer 1

The process by which health care facilities or other institutions ensure the protection of those who might be vulnerable to acquiring an infection both in the general community and while receiving care due to health problems, in a range of settings.

Question 2

Why is IPC important?

Answer 2

IPC decreases the rates of infections/diseases. This will result in:

1. Less morbidity & mortality
2. Less spread of multi-drug resistant organisms
3. Decrease the rates of development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
4. Less costs for treatments &/or hospitalisations
5. Avoid litigation

Question 3

key elements of a successful IPC program

Answer 3

• Endorsed by management. Need to have documentation on procedures in place
• Staff training on IPC practices
• Monitoring of IPC practices
• Rapid identification of infections
• Immediate & appropriate treatment of the infection( i.e. drug, dose & duration; infection source control)
• Good infrastructure to practice
• Available equipment
• Available disinfectants/decontaminants
• Continuous monitoring of health care associated infections

Question 4

modes of pathogen transmission

Answer 4

1. contact
2. Droplet
3. Airborne
4. vehicle-borne
5. vector-borne

Question 5

Standard precautions

Answer 5

represents the minimum infection prevention measures, based on risk assessment, that apply to all patient care, regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status of the patient, in any setting where healthcare is delivered. These evidence-based practices are designed to both protect healthcare personnel and prevent the spread of infections among patients.

Question 6

What factors fall under standard precautions?

Answer 6

• Frequent hand hygiene
• Respiratory hygiene & cough etiquette
• The appropriate use of gloves
• The use of other personal protective equipment (PPE), such as eye protection, masks, aprons, gowns, or overalls
• The safe use and disposal of sharp instruments, such as needle and syringes
• The use of disposable equipment where applicable
• Correct cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation of non-disposable equipment
• Correct collection, storage and disposal of waste
• Cleaning of contaminated areas
• Protocols for managing occupational exposures to blood and body substances