Infection Prevention and Control - Core Competencies

Introduction
Healthcare associated infection (HAIs) are closely linked with increased morbidity and mortality in hospitals and they remain an important patient safety and quality issue. The cost of managing these type of infections are enormous and impacts our own organization significantly. According to IPAC Canada it is estimated that 70 % of these HAI’s can be prevented. By implementing IPAC prevention measures, we are able to mitigate the risks of transmission as well as protecting ourselves and our patient. It is therefore critical that healthcare workers possess basic knowledge and understanding of IPAC practices.


IPAC core competencies will be provided online and even accessible at home. The content is developed and maintained by Public Health Ontario who is a resource for the province for best practices in IPAC. Any staff coming on board as a newly hired employee or those that have been working must complete this online education annually.
This course is based on Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC) best practices and focuses on:
• Routine Practices (including hand hygiene): IPAC practices that are used routinely during all activities, for all clients, patients and residents in all health care settings to help prevent and control the spread of infectious agents.
• Additional Precautions: practices used in addition to Routine Practices for certain pathogens or clinical presentations based on the mode of transmission: contact, droplet, and/or airborne.
Once the staff completes the online education and the test, a certificate will be produced by the system. The certificate for each employee will be filed as proof of continuing competence and on-going commitment to patient and staff safety.


References:
1. IPAC Canada, 2016
2. Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Council in behalf of Public Health Ontario, 2013