Infection Control in Healthcare Settings

Delve into the exciting world of microorganisms and gain an understanding of the four key types: bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. You will learn how they spread and which environmental conditions foster their colonisation. This section also teaches you about contagions, how to distinguish direct and indirect contact through real life outbreak scenarios and case studies. You will also learn about cross contamination, infection chains and preventative measures needed. Unit 1 closes with touching upon HCAIs, identifying groups who are most susceptible to infections, the spread within a clinical setting and how to mitigate infection risk.

Explore the important role personal hygiene plays in preventing infection, control and the risks associated with poor hygiene practises. In this unit you’ll learn best hygiene practises, the correct hand washing procedure promoted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and hygiene expectations within a professional setting. You’ll be able to identify in which circumstances employees shouldn’t enter the workplace, the use of cleansers and the risks associated with fake nails/nail polish. You will also learn about the current legislation and regulation of PPE and the employee’s responsibility to adhere to these.

Build upon knowledge gained in the previous units with information highlighting the significance of a clean clinical/healthcare environment. This section will examine and explain the code of practise for the prevention and control of infections how this can be implemented through cleaning schedules and inform you of the national colour coding scheme for cleaning materials within a healthcare setting.

You will learn about the three stages of decontamination, the six stages cleaning procedures and best practise disinfecting procedures. Discover more about the sterilisation processes, handling/storage of clean and contaminated laundry supplemented by real life case studies. Acquire key knowledge of the environment and waste legislation, taking into account clinical and hazardous waste management. Learn through first hand experiences the actions to take when dealing with biological spillages and deepen your understanding of sharp management.

In this penultimate section of the course, expand your knowledge with clear insights of the impact and significance of infection control within a healthcare environment. You’ll learn more about the legal implications of infection control such as the current legislation, code of practise, standards/guidelines, policies, roles and responsibilities. The unit also covers how to undertake risk assessments in accordance with The Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice for health and adult social care on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance.