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Infection Control

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Infection Control

Health care associated infections (HCAIs) are infections that are acquired as a result of healthcare interventions.1 There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of acquiring an infection, but maintaining a high standard of infection control will minimise the risk of occurrence.1,2 In the past, HCAIs have been associated predominantly with hospitals, but it is now recognised that primary and community care settings also carry risk.

This resource, consisting of five assessment questions at basic level, tests your understanding of infection control in a typical surgery setting. Complete the resource, including reading the featured articles and undertaking some or all of the activities, to obtain a certificate for one hour of continuing professional development to include in your annual portfolio.

Learning outcomes

Undertaking the MCQs will enable you to:

  • Appreciate the significant incidence of HCAIs
  • Utilise infection control policy and guidelines
  • Review the key principals of good hand hygiene
  • Understand the essentials for safe handling of clinical waste
  • Implement appropriate arrangements for the safe management of hazardous substances

References

1. Health Protection Agency. Healthcare associated infections, 2012

Available at: https://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/HCAI/GeneralInformationOnHCAI/

2. Royal College of Nursing. Sharps safety, 2011

Available at: https://www.rcn.org.uk/

Practice Nurse featured articles

Issues in personal safety Dr Mary Lowth

Infection control in primary care Mandy Galloway

Recommended reading

NICE CG 139 Infection: Prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in primary and community care, 2012

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg139

RCN. Essential practice for infection prevention and control: Guidance for nursing staff, 2012

https://www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/427832/004166.pdf

Education for Health course

Essentials of Primary Care Nursing

https://www.educationforhealth.org/shop.php/courses/75/essentials-of-primary-care-nursing