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.

Managing the risks and preventing the spread of infections is a priority for all registered providers of health and care. Compliance with the Health & Social Care Action 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 requires compliance with a range of fundamental standards to provide assurance relating to the delivery of care. The Code of Practice for the prevention and control of infections and related guidance (DOH 2022) provides a framework for the delivery (and assurance) of standards relating to Infection Prevention and Control and forms the basis of the content of our 2-day courses.

Our range of RCN-accredited Infection Prevention & Control Link Practitioner / Leads courses provide an intensive practice-based and interactive learning opportunity for those staff in positions of responsibility for ensuring IPC standards are assessed, implemented and monitored, providing theoretical knowledge (and evidence base) for practice. This latest course includes a comprehensive updates session on the latest guidance including the Code of Practice (2022).

Our courses are all delivered by two experienced specialist nurses – which has been accredited and adapted for delivery via the Zoom online and/or any online platform. Break-out rooms and the use of chat line will ensure full interaction between trainers and delegates. IT requirements, joining and participation instructions will be provided on inquiry and on booking. All our courses come with a Certificate of Attendance and CPD.

Course content

DAY 1

Regulation and Registration

• Current regulatory framework
• Responsibilities of registered providers of social care
• The role of the IPC Lead and IPC Link Practitioner

Science of Infection Prevention & Control

• The Chain of Infection – transmission
• Infection risks to service users and staff
• Application of the chain of infection – group work

Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) in Primary Care

Part 1

• Elements of Standard Infection Control Precautions
• Hand Hygiene
• Teaching methodologies for hand hygiene
• Reducing risks to staff – Personal Protective Equipment; prevention of sharps injuries; staff health

Standard Precautions Part 2

• Principles of asepsis
• Microbiological specimen collection

DAY 2

Standard Precautions Part 3

• Decontamination of Medical Devices / Clinical Equipment
• Managing the environment – environmental cleaning; healthcare waste and linen management; water safety
• Differentiation of clinical environments in primary care facilities

Overview of significant infections

• Managing infectious patients in primary care inc. Notifiable Infections

Risk Assessment, Surveillance and Annual Programme

• Importance of risk assessment and the role of the Code of Practice
• Using audit to identify risks / gaps in care homes
• Surveillance of infections in care homes
• Developing an annual programme / annual report

Group work – risk assessment and its application to current practice

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.

Please note: By applying for any of these training courses, you/your practice will not be able to also claim your £333 allocated CPD funding.