Infection Prevention and Control Course

About the course

The Infection Prevention & Control training course is aimed at staff working within the care environment. Individuals will understand the importance of why we need to have infection control measures implemented in the workplace. At the end of this course candidates will be able to state the obligations and responsibilities that should be performed when dealing with infection control issues. In addition to this candidates will be able to demonstrate and explain hand washing techniques along with having an understanding of maintaining a clean environment.

This course has been developed to ensure that we all share the same knowledge, understanding and good practice in relation to Infection Prevention and Control. These can also be known as Standard Precautions.

Healthcare-associated infections

A wide variety of care is delivered in primary, secondary and community care settings.

Healthcare-associated infections arise across a wide range of clinical conditions and can affect patients of all ages.

Healthcare workers, family members and carers are also at risk of acquiring infections when caring for service users.

Healthcare-associated infections can occur in otherwise healthy individuals, especially if invasive procedures or devices are used. For example, indwelling urinary catheters are the most common cause of urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections are associated with vascular access devices.

Healthcare-associated infections are caused by a wide range of microorganisms. These are often carried by the service users themselves, and have taken advantage of a route into the body provided by an invasive device or procedure. healthcare-associated infections can exacerbate existing or underlying conditions, delay recovery and adversely impact on the quality of life.

Service user safety has become a cornerstone of care, and preventing healthcare-associated infections remains a priority. It is estimated that 300,000 patients a year in England acquire a healthcare-associated infection as a result of care within the NHS.

In 2007, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections and Clostridium difficile infections were recorded as the underlying cause of, or a contributory factor in approximately 9000 deaths in hospital and primary care in England.

(National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2012)

The Cost

Healthcare-associated infections are estimated to cost the NHS approximately £1 billion a year, and £56 million of this is estimated to be incurred after service users are discharged from hospital.

In addition to increased costs, each one of these infections means additional use of NHS resources, greater discomfort and a decrease in service user safety.

The Solution

A no-tolerance attitude is now prevalent in relation to avoidable healthcare-associated infections.

Clients have the right to expect that those who provide their care meet appropriate standards of hygiene and follow the correct procedures to minimise the risk of healthcare-associated infection. 

Treatment and care should also take into account clients' needs and preferences. Service users should have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their care and treatment, in partnership with their healthcare professionals. 

If clients do not have the capacity to make decisions, healthcare professionals should follow the Department of Health's advice on consent and the code of practice that accompanies the Mental Capacity Act. In Wales, healthcare professionals should follow advice on consent from the Welsh Government. In Scotland, reference should be made to the Adults with Incapacity guidance. 

If the client is under 16, healthcare professionals should follow the guidelines in the Department of Health's Seeking consent: working with children.

Start now for just £9 (+ VAT)

Learning Outcomes

Once completed you'll be able to...

• Understand how infections happen in a care environment and how to avoid it
• Demonstrate knowledge of PPE & hygiene to keep you and others safe
• Have the knowledge to dispose of waste safely and keep care environments clean
• Be able to prove competency with a downloadable certificate
• Be able to refresh your knowledge as required
• Be well informed and equipped to stay safe

What you'll receive after completing the course

After successful completion of the final test you will receive your certification straight to your inbox.

There are so many Infection Prevention and Control training courses out there, why should I choose this one?

You’re right, there are masses of other training courses on Infection Prevention and Control, ours is different because it’s been developed by health and safety experts and is monitored for quality content and kept up to date by RoSPA.

Course overview

Here’s what we’ll be covering in each lesson (each lesson is a maximum of 5 mins long, making it easy to quickly make fantastic progress, even if you only have a small amount of time each day).

Lesson 01 - Introduction

• The course kicks off with an introduction from the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence regarding Infection Prevention and Control

Lesson 02 - Hand Hygiene

• Lesson 2 begins with the microorganism family and the chain of infection
• Before moving on to when and how to clean your hands
• And preventing skin irritation

Lesson 03 - Personal Protective Equipment

• Lesson 3 begins with an introduction to PPE and the importance of PPE
• How PPE reduces infection
• Levels of risk and the types of PPE

Lesson 04 - Waste & Social Care Waste Policy

• Lesson 4 begins with an introduction to waste and who is responsible for what
• It then looks at the waste policy and types of waste in more detail
• And ends with a look at the treatment of waste

Lesson 05 - Safe Handling and Disposal of Sharps

• Lesson 5 begins with an introduction to legal responsibilities
• It goes on to look at how we segregate sharps
• What to do in the case of an accident
• And how to deal with an injury

Lesson 06 - Environmental Cleanliness

• Lesson 6 begins by identifying good cleaning practices
• Takes us through different methods of cleaning
• Looks at how we can protect ourselves and others from contamination
• And discusses the safe handling of laundry

Final Test

Complete the final test to prove your knowledge.

(We understand that not everyone will pass the course the first time. If you don’t pass the course on your first attempt, don’t worry, you’ll be able to retake the course free of charge up to 6 times.)

This Infection Prevention and Control course is right for you if...

• You work in a care environment
• You’ve just started a new job or need refresher training on new regulations
• You need to prove competence in this area
• You are responsible for the cleanliness of an environment for vulnerable people
  

Enrol now and you'll instantly receive:

• 6 sharply focused lessons delivering a good, quality awareness of the subject.
• Unlimited access to the course. Take the course wherever and whenever you like.
• Certificate on completion.