1.1 Explain how infection prevention policies and guidelines can be applied in own work setting
Infection prevention is essential to any healthcare setting, especially in a care home where individuals of varying ages and with different health conditions are living together. Infection prevention policies and guidelines help maintain the safety of all residents by minimising the potential spread of illness-causing microorganisms. When correctly followed, these policies can go a long way towards keeping everyone safe from infection.
Creating detailed written policies for staff members that specify what practices must be followed at all times is a way of implementing infection prevention. This includes protocols for hand hygiene; use and handling of protective clothing such as gloves or gowns; disinfecting shared surfaces like doorknobs or countertops; safe disposal of waste materials like soiled linens or cleaning cloths; storage and handling food items safely, etcetera). The policy document also provides clear guidance on which products are approved for use when cleaning rooms, doing laundry, etc., as well as an appropriate technique for their use.
In addition, a system for the regular review and updating of infection prevention policies is implemented to ensure that best practice guidelines are kept up-to-date with any new research or developments in this field. This includes arranging for staff members to attend courses or seminars on topics such as hand hygiene or sterilisation techniques at least once every six months. A reporting system also is established, which allows staff members to report instances where these practices were not being followed properly and act accordingly upon receipt of such reports.
Other measures include strict screening protocols during times when there may have been an outbreak, frequent surveillance testing of residents by healthcare providers, posting signs around the care home reminding individuals about proper handwashing techniques etcetera along with providing educational materials that inform people on how they can prevent themselves from becoming infected (e.g., getting vaccinated). Lastly, all infections must be reported immediately so appropriate steps can be taken quickly before the more severe illness can take hold.
Infection prevention policies and guidelines are essential for the safety of all individuals living in a care home. Implementing written protocols, conducting regular reviews and updates to best practices, establishing appropriate reporting systems as well as providing educational materials on preventing infection can go a long way towards ensuring that everyone remains safe from any potential disease-causing microorganisms.
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