Infection prevention and control is the field dedicated to preventing healthcare-associated infections. The World Health Organization defines infection prevention and control as a “practical, evidence -based approach to prevent patients and healthcare workers from becoming infected by avoidable infections.” Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control defines it as the measures taken to “prevent or stop the spread of infections in healthcare settings.”
Infection control refers to a comprehensive set of policies and procedures that are implemented to minimize the spread of infections in healthcare settings. In the healthcare setting, the main objective of infection control is to prevent pathogens from being passed from one person to another, keeping both patients and healthcare providers safe. The addition of stringent protocols allows healthcare facilities to provide high-level standards of care that increase patient safety and a more secure, healthier workplace.
Healthcare settings implement universal, standard, and transmission-based precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Universal precautions are procedures to protect against blood-borne disease transmission. These assume that all blood, and any body fluids that might be contaminated with blood, is infectious. Standard precautions expand the concept of universal precautions beyond exposure to blood to include body secretions, excretions, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes. Standard precautions are designed to protect the healthcare worker and patients from pathogens. Lastly, transmission-based precautions are additional measures used to prevent the spread of infections that are transmitted through airborne, droplet, or contact transmission (example, wearing an N-95 respirator to protect against tuberculosis or COVID-19).
Standard precautions are applied to all patient care, in any healthcare setting, regardless of whether the patient has a suspected or confirmed infection. The elements of standard precautions are:
All healthcare facilities should implement standard precautions as part of their infection control and prevention plan.
Healthcare facilities should have a written infection control plan separate from their OSHA plan. The goal of the plan is to provide a safe working environment that reduces infection transmission among patients and occupational exposures to workers. Providing a set of clear guidelines and protocols will equip a facility with what it needs to mitigate risks and enhance safe practices. A written plan is a two-fold win; it protects the health and well-being of patients and reduces occupational exposure that employees may face.
One difference to note between OSHA standards and infection control is OSHA’s role in the regulatory world is to protect the safety of all workers in every setting. It sets forth guidelines on workplace safety standards and general safety of the worker. In contrast, infection control is specifically for healthcare settings and focuses not only on the employee, but also on the patient’s safety, and its sole focus is on stopping the spread of infections. Total Medical Compliance feels that this type of program is critical to our clients.
A written infection control plan should be implemented to align with the services provided in your facility. This includes policies and procedures developed from infection control guidelines, such as the CDC, OSHA, and AAMI guidelines. It is critical to designate an Infection Control Officer to oversee the infection control program. The dedicated officer will be responsible for evaluating the program, keeping it updated, ongoing training for employees, and ensuring standard precautions are adhered to.
An effective plan consists of a personnel health program. This includes training, immunizations, exposure prevention and management of an exposure incident. Training of all healthcare personnel should be done, at a minimum, annually. Training should include standard precautions, and policies and procedures of the facility. Healthcare personnel (HCP) should be encouraged to stay up to date on immunizations and training should be provided on the importance of immunizations. HCP should know the procedure if an exposure occurs and who they report the exposure to. HCP and the employer should work together in following, evaluating, and implementing a plan. This ensures a safe environment for both patients and employees.
When crafting an infection control program that is effective, many components come into play. The ones within this article are only a beginning. Each healthcare facility is unique and poses its own risks. Infection control programs must be tailored and customized to individual facilities.
If your facility finds itself in need of an infection control program, TMC is proud to announce that we are launching this program for our clients. Please reach out to client services or your consultant today to learn more about this exciting new product!
Total Medical Compliance
6124 Creft Circle
Indian Trail, NC 28079
Phone: (888) 862-6742
Fax: (866) 875-3809
©2023 Total Medical Compliance
Total Medical Compliance
6124 Creft Circle
Indian Trail, NC 28079
(888) 862-6742
Fax (866) 875-3809
©2022 Total Medical Compliance
