IP Leads will face many challenges in their role and will need the skills and knowledge to implement and communicate quality infection prevention and control strategies to residents, employees and visitors. Effective IPC leadership will prevent illnesses and outbreaks, support compliance with local and national standards and requirements, and benefit the facility, residents, employees and visitors alike.

Common challenges include 

Understanding the requirements for compliance with national and local infection prevention guidelines and regulations 

Managing outbreaks, ensuring employees are adequately trained in IPC measures, and maintaining adequate supplies of PPE 

Dealing with staffing levels while also managing infection prevention and control measures effectively 

Balancing the need for residents to have social interaction and the risks associated with visitors potentially introducing infectious diseases 

Preventing and managing seasonal outbreaks of infectious diseases e.g., Influenza 

Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment can be time-consuming and challenging 

Ensuring that employees who become ill don’t introduce infectious diseases into the facility 

Communicating effectively with residents and their families about infection prevention measures and outbreak management 

Using inclusive resources to communicate IPC measures to residents, employees and visitors from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds 

IPC is one of the building blocks of creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment.