Definition of Infection Control

Infection control refers to the policies, procedures and systems designed to prevent and control the spread of infections, particularly in healthcare settings.
The objective of infection control is to minimise the risk of infection for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors.
It involves the application of scientific principles and techniques to identify, remove or destroy infectious agents.
There are local and national guidelines and regulations in place for infection control, including those provided by the Department of Health, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and Public Health England.
Special attention is often given to Healthcare Acquired Infections (HCAIs), such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile, which can be spread within healthcare settings.

Key Principles of Infection Control

Infection control strategies often involve a “chain of infection”. This refers to six key stages at which intervention can break the chain and prevent infection: the infectious agent, the reservoir, the portal of exit, the mode of transmission, the portal of entry, and the susceptible host.
The Hand Hygiene technique is at the heart of infection control. It involves washing hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after physical contact with a client.
The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, aprons, or masks, helps create a barrier between the healthcare worker and sources of infection.

Every healthcare worker has a role to play in infection control – responsibilties can range from direct patient care to maintaining a clean environment.
It’s essential that all healthcare workers are trained to understand these role-specific responsibilities and are able to implement them effectively.
Regular audits and inspections can be carried out to ensure infection control measures are being followed in healthcare settings.
Healthcare workers must also report any breaches of infection control policies or unsafe practices that they observe.