Hierarchy of Controls

The IP Lead needs to use evidence-based information and strategies to support their work.  One of the models commonly used to decide which actions will best manage exposure to infection is the Hierarchy of Controls.   Standard and transmission-based precautions are a range of risk-minimisation strategies to prevent and control infection....

Setting Up Clear Roles

The IP Lead is responsible for allocating infection prevention and control tasks to employees. Each task should be allocated according to the employee’s individual strengths and their position in the facility and should be clearly communicated to each employee.  A lack of clear roles can create an ineffective working environment and...

Adopting a Multimodal Improvement Strategy

The IP Lead will use many different approaches to influence the behaviour of employees in order to facilitate better outcomes and contribute to positive change in the organisational culture.  Multimodal implementation strategies are a core component of effective IPC programmes and contribute to successful IPC strategies and quality improvement.  You...

The Hierarchy of Controls in Practice

The IP Lead can use the Hierarchy of Controls to help and support the IPC work.  Examples of the controls are as follows Elimination and substitution are best used in the design or development of a process as they can be difficult and expensive actions to adapt into an existing...

Leading an AMS Programme

The IP Lead has an essential role to play in Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) through implementing best practice in policy development and implementation in order to reduce the risk of MRO/MDROs and the effect they can have on residents’ health.     IP Lead's Role in AMS  The IP Lead will support...

Understanding Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT)

The IP Lead needs to understand the importance of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) in detecting and managing COVID-19 and knowing when and how to collect a sample in order to inform residents and employees. What is it?  A Rapid antigen test (RAT) is a diagnostic tool widely used to detect...