Standard Precautions
Standard precautions are measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents between patients and healthcare providers. These include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and environmental cleaning and disinfection.
Isolation Precautions
Isolation precautions are additional measures taken to prevent the spread of highly contagious or dangerous infections. These include contact, droplet, and airborne precautions, which involve the use of PPE, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.
Infection Prevention and Control Programs
An Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) is a comprehensive system that includes policies, procedures, and protocols to prevent and control the spread of infections. It includes a review of medical records and laboratory results, as well as strategies to promote hand hygiene, use of PPE, and proper environmental cleaning and disinfection.
Education and Training
Education and training are essential components of any infection control program. Healthcare providers should be trained in standard and isolation precautions, as well as proper use of PPE. Staff should also be educated on the importance of reporting any instances of infection or potential exposure to infectious agents.