The Care Certificate – Infection Prevention and Control course focuses on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, identify, and manage infections effectively in healthcare and social care environments. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining hygiene standards, implementing infection control measures, and safeguarding the health and safety of service users and staff.

Learning Objectives:

– Understand the principles and importance of infection prevention and control (IPC) in care settings.

– Recognise common infections and their modes of transmission.

– Implement standard precautions and hygiene practices to minimize infection risks.

– Develop skills in using personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately.

– Promote a culture of infection prevention and control within care teams.

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Course Outline:

Module 1: Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control

– Definition and principles of infection prevention and control.

– Legal and regulatory frameworks governing IPC in healthcare and social care.

Module 2: Chain of Infection

– Understanding the chain of infection and how infections spread.

– Modes of transmission (e.g., contact, droplet, airborne).

Module 3: Standard Precautions and Hygiene Practices

– Implementing hand hygiene protocols using WHO’s 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene.

– Environmental cleaning and disinfection practices.

Module 4: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

– Types of PPE and their appropriate use in preventing exposure to infectious agents.

– Donning, doffing, and disposal of PPE according to guidelines.

Module 5: Managing Infectious Diseases

– Recognising symptoms and signs of common infections.

– Reporting and responding to suspected outbreaks.

Module 6: Isolation and Barrier Nursing

– Implementing isolation precautions for infectious patients.

– Providing care while maintaining patient dignity and safety.

Module 7: Vaccination and Immunisation

– Understanding the importance of vaccination in preventing infections.

– Promoting vaccination among service users and staff.

Module 8: Role of the Care Worker in IPC

– Responsibilities of care workers in preventing and controlling infections.

– Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and infection control specialists.

Module 9: Monitoring and Auditing IPC Practices

– Conducting audits and assessments to monitor compliance with IPC standards.

– Implementing corrective actions to address gaps in infection control.

Module 10: Reflective Practice and Continuous Improvement

– Reflecting on IPC practices and learning from experiences.

– Commitment to ongoing training and development in infection prevention.

Target Audience:

– Healthcare assistants, support workers, nurses, caregivers, and other frontline staff providing direct care.

– Individuals new to the care profession seeking foundational knowledge and skills in infection prevention and control.

– Organisations committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of service users and staff through effective IPC practices.

Conclusion:

The Care Certificate – Infection Prevention and Control course equips participants with essential knowledge and skills to prevent and manage infections effectively in care settings. By implementing IPC principles, maintaining hygiene standards, and using PPE correctly, participants contribute to safeguarding the health and safety of service users and colleagues. This course supports the development of competent and conscientious caregivers dedicated to maintaining a clean and safe care environment conducive to promoting health and well-being.