Welcome to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Training Package
Welcome to the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training package. IPC is a major challenge for health care systems around the world and there is a significant opportunity to reduce avoidable morbidity and mortality through improvements to IPC. Health care-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can be significantly reduced through effective IPC. The guidelines cover a range of topics including the core components of IPC programmes, hand hygiene, and the prevention of surgical site infection.
Course overview
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Section 1: Introduction to IPC and its core components
Introduction to IPCIn this module you will learn how and why healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur and how IPC can help to reduce the risk of spread. (1 hour)
WHO Core Components and Multimodal StrategyThis module describes the essential components of effective Infection Prevention and Control programmes at national and facility levels. This framework is referenced in all other modules, so an understanding of this material is necessary for the remainder of the course. (1 hour)
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Section 2: IPC basics
Standard Precautions
Hand HygieneHand hygiene reduces the transmission of microorganisms (including those that are antibiotic-resistant), increases patient safety, and decreases health care-associated infections. (2 hours)
Personal Protection EquipmentPersonal protective equipment (PPE) is specialized clothing worn by health care personnel for protection against infectious materials. (2.5 hours)
Waste ManagementIn this session, you’ll learn about the different categories of waste and the process for waste management. (1 hour)
Environmental CleaningIf environmental cleaning is not performed correctly, then environmental contamination can contribute to the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms and health care-associated infections. (1.5 hours)
Microbiology
Transmission-Based Precautions
Basic MicrobiologyA basic understanding of microbiology will allow you to recognize how your role as an IPC person can help break the cycle of transmission, prevent health care-associated infections, and reduce antimicrobial resistance. (40 minutes)
Transmission-Based PrecautionsLearn how to use transmission-based precautions for patients who may be infected or colonized with certain microorganisms for which additional precautions are needed to prevent transmission. (? minutes)
Injection Safety
Following safe injection practices is key to preventing the spread of infection. This module covers how to safely give injections and dispose of needles and other sharps. You will also learn what to do in case of needlestick injuries. (2.25 hours)
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Section 3: Application of IPC in service delivery
Leadership: Skills, Project Management, and Implementation
Leadership is an important part of a successful IPC programme. You will gain skills essential for effective communication, conflict management, project management, and training as well as learn about implementation strategies that can help you translate IPC standards into practice. (6 hours)
Surgical Site Infections
Surgical site infections (SSI) are a problem in all countries and should be part of your IPC programme. Learn about WHO’s recommendations for preventing and reducing SSI and some approaches you can use to implement these recommendations at your facility. (5.25 hours)
Bloodstream Infections
The use of central and peripheral venous catheters are commonly used in health care delivery worldwide. When these devices are used, there remains risks posed to patients for the development of bloodstream infections (BSI). In this module, you will learn more about these specific types of infections, recommended best practices for insertion, maintenance, and removal and ways to achieve effective implementation for prevention! (2 hours)
Respiratory Tract Infections
Respiratory tract infections (RTI) are some of the most significant HAI. These infections are spread by contaminated ventilator and respiratory equipment, by air, by droplet and by contact. As IPC personnel, it is important to be familiar with the standard precautions that prevent spread of infection as well as multimodal strategies that, when implemented properly, protect your health facility from harm. (1.5 hours)
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI)
CAUTI are one of the most common health care-associated infections (HAIs). You will learn what the causes and risks are, when to use a urinary catheter, how to insert catheters, and principles and practices for preventing CAUTI. (3.25 hours)
Antimicrobial Resistance
This module will provide an introduction to antibiotic resistant organisms in health care, the risks they pose, and reasons why they must be taken seriously. Various evidenced based guidelines will be reviewed on ways to contain and/or prevent potential infections. (2.75 hours)
Decontamination and Sterilization
The reuse of medical devices in health care is universal. Proper cleaning, disinfection and/or sterilization are required procedures depending on the type and use of a medical device. Learn about the proper receiving, transport, inspection and reprocessing of medical devices as well as how to properly validate such procedures for quality assurance. (3 hours)
Health Care-Associated Infections Surveillance
Health care associated infection surveillance is a critical component of an effective IPC programme. Surveillance allows for routine monitoring of hospital acquired infections, identification of clusters or outbreaks, and routine monitoring and evaluation of health care delivery. In this module, you will unpack the basic concepts of epidemiology and explore the proper planning cycles for implementing health care associated infection surveillance. (3.25 hours)
Outbreak Investigations
Outbreaks are unfortunate events that afflict both patients and staff as well as the cost of health care. In this module, you will learn how to identify and investigate outbreaks, the importance of communication, how to implement outbreak control measures, and how to identify lessons learned to inform and improve future health care delivery. (3 hours)
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