1.1 Explain how infection prevention policies and guidelines can be applied in own work setting
In the health and social care sector, infection prevention policies are key to providing safe services for staff and patients alike. Such policies help set standards of practice that should be met when dealing with those at risk of acquiring an infection or already suffering from one. By ensuring practices adhere to guidelines such as these, we can reduce preventable infections occurring in our work setting, ultimately helping to ensure the safety of service users.
Firstly, all workers must understand best-practice techniques surrounding personal protective equipment (PPE) use, as it is essential in reducing the spread of potential bacteria/virus contamination between individuals. This includes hand hygiene (with soap and water or alcohol sanitiser); wearing appropriate masks where applicable; gloves if handling any bodily fluids, etc. Training sessions on proper donning and doffing procedures should also be carried out regularly within a working environment so employees are constantly reminded of how vital PPE usage is.
Furthermore, regular disinfection of surfaces and equipment used by multiple people throughout a working day is imperative. Surfaces and tools should be washed down with a detergent/disinfectant solution (or any other appropriate solution) and dried before use using either disposable cloths or microfiber mops. Additionally, ‘high touch’ areas such as door handles must also be regularly disinfected to reduce the spread of infection throughout services.
In addition, having an effective protocol for dealing with potential outbreaks in the workplace can make a real difference. This may involve extra hygiene precautions, staying away from work if necessary, and following national guidance from health authorities regarding best practices, etc. All of these measures help keep staff safe and limit the risk to service users. By providing employees access to proper training materials on how PPE usage works effectively, along with clear protocols when it comes to an outbreak situation, we are well-placed to stop infections from occurring in our workplace setting.
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2 Identify differences in the ways in which infection prevention and control policies and guidance are implemented in a range of work settings
- 2.6 Explain the functions of external bodies in supporting infection prevention and control in the work setting
- 3.3 Explain why particular devices need special handling to minimise the spread of infection
- 4.1 Explain how to work with others to identity infection outbreaks in own work setting
- 4.2 Explain how to work with others to implement policies and procedures following an infection outbreak
- 4.3 Describe how to provide information about outbreaks of infection in accessible formats to individuals and others
- 4.4 Describe ways to ensure that care for the individual is provided in the most appropriate place
- 4.5 Describe situations where additional guidance may need to be accessed to manage infection prevention and control incidents
- 5.1 Describe the process for sharing information about infections and suspected infections within own work setting
- 5.2 Describe processes for reporting accidents and incidents relating to infection prevention and control within own work setting