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Brouqui P, Boudjema S, Soto Aladro A, Chabrière E, Florea O, Nguyen H, Dufour JC. New Approaches to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infection. Clin. Infect. Dis. 2017 Aug 15;65(suppl_1):S50-S54. [PubMed]4.MacIntyre CR, Chughtai AA, Rahman B, Peng Y, Zhang Y, Seale H, Wang X, Wang Q. The efficacy of medical masks and respirators against respiratory infection in healthcare workers. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2017 Nov;11(6):511-517. [PMC free article] [PubMed] As a regulated health professional, Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are accountable for providing safe, competent and ethical care to the public in accordance with the standards of the profession. This document has been developed in order to assist RTs in learning how to achieve quality infection prevention and control practices. The SARS epidemic in 2003, the H1N1 Pandemic in 2009, and the MERS and Ebola 2014/2015 outbreaks- as well as the likelihood of another pandemic influenza - suggest it is vital for RTs to remain informed and up to date on current infection prevention and control best practices. In addition to the public and the CRTO, RTs are accountable to their employer. Employers may have additional policies and procedures related to infection prevention and control. If an employer’s policies and procedures are more restrictive than the CRTO’s description of the standard of practice, Members should abide by their employer’s policies and procedures. Where the employer’s policies and procedures are more permissive than the standard of practice described by the CRTO, Members should adhere to the standard of practice described by the CRTO. www.crto.on.ca Infection Prevention and Control CBPG CRTO publications contain practice parameters and standards which should be considered by all Ontario Respiratory Therapists in the care of their patients/clients and in the practice of the profession. CRTO publications are developed in consultation with professional practice leaders and describe current professional expectations. It is important to note that these CRTO publications may be used by the CRTO or other bodies in determining whether appropriate standards of practice and professional responsibilities have been maintained. Page 6 Guiding Principles of Infection, Prevention and Control RTs are accountable for…. • Knowing how infections are transmitted (i.e., The 6 Links in the Chain of Transmission) • Adhering to the current infection prevention and control guidelines for their practice setting (e.g., employer policies, OHA Communicable Diseases Surveillance Protocols, Public Health Agency of Canada Best Practice Documents, Public Health Agency of Canada Infection Control Guidelines, MOHLTC Emergency Planning and Preparedness) • Advocating for best practices in infection prevention and control in their workplace • Educating and modelling proper infection prevention and control practices for others • Monitoring changes to infection control practices and updating their practice accordingly (e.g., MOHLTC Health Bulletins). • Knowing their Immunization Status and keeping their immunisation records up to date • Ensure that there are processes in place to obtain an accurate travel history from patients/clients Infection Prevention and Control CBPG www.crto.on.ca RTs protect their patients/clients – as well as themselves – through… • Consistent use of Routine Practices, including a Risk Assessment that takes into consideration the client/patient/resident infection status, the characteristics of the client/patient/resident and the type of care activities to be performed (PIDAC, 2012a, p.7) • Application of Additional Precautions, where indicated • Hand Hygiene and proper cough etiquette • Adhering to the principles of good occupational health and hygiene practices and reporting facility outbreaks, where appropriate • Ensuring appropriate immunizations are obtained • Avoiding consuming food or