Infection Prevention & Control Principles

What is it?

The aim of infection prevention and control is to prevent or minimise the risk of infection transmission to residents, employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors. 

All employees should know how to access infection control policies and procedures relevant to their position.

Education on infection prevention and control is to be provided at orientation, and ongoing education is part of mandatory training.

 

Basic principles

There are two tiers of recommended precautions to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings

Standard Precautions are used for all resident care. They are based on a risk assessment and use common sense practices and personal protective equipment that protect healthcare workers from infection and prevent the spread of infection from resident to resident.

Transmission-Based Precautions are used in addition to Standard Precautions for residents with known or suspected infections.