viii. Principles in the Prevention of Infection

Question 1

Infection Prevention & Control (IPC):

Answer 1

The process by which healthcare 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

Decreases the rates of infections/diseases.

Will result in: less morbidity & mortality, less spread of multi-drug resistant organisms, dec rates of dev of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, less costs for treatments &/or hospitalisations, avoid litigation

Question 3

What are the key elements of a successful IPC program? (3)

Answer 3

• Endorsed by management (need documentation on procedures in place), staff training on IPC practices, monitoring of IPC practices, rapid
• Identification of infections, Immediate & appropriate treatment of infection (i.e. drug, dose & duration, infection source control), good
• Infrastructure to practice, available equipment, available disinfectant/decontaminants, continuous monitoring of health care assoc infections

Question 4

EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IPC
Environment/Host/Pathogen Interaction: Epidemiological Triad

Answer 4

Question 5

How do infections occur?

The Chain of Transmission:

Answer 5

Question 6

Modes of Pathogen Transmission: (5)

Answer 6

Question 7

What are the standard precautions?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What are the factors under standard precautions?

Answer 8

Question 9

Precautions for specific modes of transmission/transmission-based protocols: (3)

Answer 9

Contact precautions
Droplet Precautions
Airborne Precautions

Question 10

Contact precautions:

Answer 10

Question 11

Droplet Precautions:

Answer 11

Question 12

Airborne Precautions:

Answer 12

Question 13

Breaking the Links of The Chain of Transmission:

Answer 13

Question 14

Does IPC work? If strategies are implemented correctly, risk of acquiring infections can be very low!

(4)

Answer 14

• IPC is critical in ensuring good health
• Everyone has a role to play in IPC
• Chains of pathogen transmission have to be broken for successful infection prevention and control
• IPC does work