Course information

PLEASE NOTE: Once you have applied, you will be sent information on how to book a suitable date and how to access the training.

This course provides an ideal refresher course for IPC lead/link practitioners for discussion, debate and appraisal of the challenges of achieving compliance with revised fundamental standards and specifically the Code of Practice (2022) for the prevention and control infections. Many different service models are evolving but the problems relating to IPC remain the same. How are you tackling them in your practice? What are the challenges you are facing in providing assurance to commissioner and inspectors? How much support are you being given to tackling these challenges and delivering safe evidence-based care?

The day provides a focus on further enhancing your knowledge base in relation to key issue which provide particular challenges in primary care. Who is the course aimed at: This study day is intended for Practice Nurses, and Advanced Nurse Practitioners, registered managers and/or the nominated IPC leads including GP’s for the surgery and who have received previous IPC training and have an understanding of key IPC issues in Primary Care

Course content

Strategic Overview 

• Overview of key guidance/legislation
  • National IPC Manual (latest update)
  • Code of Practice 2022
  • Board Assurance Framework 2023
  • Infection Prevention & Control Education Framework 2023
  • Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 07-01 Safe & Sustainable Management of Healthcare Waste 2023
• Current hot topics 2023-24
• Overview of key clinical issues of relevance to delegates

Professional development of IPC link/leads

• Local developments and challenges of the IPC link/lead role – discussion
• IPC Annual Programme – have you got one?
• Risk assessment and auditing compliance with key policies

Standard Precautions / Transmission-based precautions

• National IPC manual – Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) and Transmission Based Precautions (TBPs)
• Key principles of practice inc. hierarchy of controls
• Group discussion re-implementation and challenges

Environment and Equipment Management

• Responsibilities in hosted premises – a reminder
• Implementation of the national cleaning standards 2021 – how are you doing?
• Implementation of revised waste guidance HTM 07-01 – are you compliant?
• Refurbishment and new build – key consideration inc. ventilation

Clinical Practice – practical applications and considerations

• Adjusting clinical practice/SICPs in different environments
• Antimicrobial stewardship – are you compliant?

Course aims & outcomes

AIMS

• To provide knowledge and facilitate learning and the development of IPC Leads and link practitioners including a knowledge base for the 10 criteria of The Health & Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance (DH) 2022;
• To provide workshop opportunities to enhance learning;
• To generate debate, critical appraisal and reflection;
• To empower IPC Leads and link practitioners to role model and drive appropriate infection prevention practice in their place of work thus embedding IPC processes in the transformation agenda;
• To facilitate the implementation, maintenance and assurance of Standard Precautions and related principles of practice in primary medical care;
• To provide delegates with current knowledge and guidance for prevention and control of infections in primary care settings;

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• To understand the regulatory frameworks and their application to providers of primary medical care in a range of practice settings;
• To understand and discuss the role and responsibilities of IPC leads and link practitioners;
• To discuss the Chain of Infection and utilise this in understanding the transmission of infections most commonly seen in primary care settings;
• To identify and discuss principles of infection prevention and control and describe how the lead/ link practitioner lead can encourage and support their implementation;
• To perform and teach correct hand-washing procedures;
• To discuss the implementation, maintenance and assurance of key practice issues in primary medical care settings inc. the challenges of working in hosted (leased) premises;
• To understand the importance of risk assessment and its role in improving practice / ensuring compliance by identifying gaps in service provision and developing action plans to address issues identified;

Course eligibility

This CPD course is for Practice Nurses and Allied Health Care Professionals. Please check here if you are eligible for these funded courses.