Why is it Important?

This session will cover the high-level training required for infection prevention and control.

As infection prevention and control training is usually tailored to a number of approaches, dependent on which area or group within the NHS that you work, there may be elements of the session that aren’t covered or are even applicable to you.

In such cases, where you are unsure of whether something applies to your role or workplace, then you must refer to local policy or procedures.

Infection Prevention and Control

Healthcare is delivered in a range of settings, from hospitals to care delivered in clients' homes or social care settings. Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) can occur in any setting where healthcare is delivered. HCAIs are defined as any infection as a result of healthcare interaction that has taken place, or has occurred, 48 hours (general rule) after admission to a healthcare setting.

Infection prevention and control is important in healthcare because:

NICE has estimated that 300,000 patients a year in England acquire a HCAI as a result of care within the NHS
Over 6% of hospital patients in England acquire some form of infection
HCAIs prolong a patient's period of ill health
Patients can die from infection - in 2015/16, there were 241 deaths from MRSA and 2127 deaths from C. difficile

It is everyone's responsibility to monitor and prevent HCAIs.

Healthcare-associated Infections

HCAIs can develop either as a direct result of healthcare interventions such as medical or surgical treatment, or from being in contact with a healthcare setting. There are numerous factors that increase the risk of individuals acquiring an infection or that can increase the risk of reoccurrence.

Factors that increase the risk of individuals acquiring an infection or that can increase the risk of occurrence.

· Age - the very young (especially premature babies and very sick children) and the elderly are most at risk

· Compromised immune system - as a result of an underlying condition or from medications such as chemotherapy or steroids)

· Medical conditions, for example, diabetes

· Inappropriate antibiotic use

· Poor infection prevention practice or standards

The Chain of Infection

The transmission of infection depends on six elements which link together like a chain as shown in the diagram. The elements are infectious agent, a reservoir for it to live, a site of exit, and a mode of transmission to a susceptible host via a site of entry.

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