The Principles Of Infection Prevention And Control

November 15, 2021

The NHS has issued guidance designed to reduce the risk of infections being transmitted in a healthcare setting. These are known as the general principles of infection prevention and control, and they are a set of common sense guidelines designed to reduce risk and protect both caregivers and patients. The principles include everything from hand hygiene to handling of chemical waste. This guide will explain the infection prevention and control principles and help you to understand how to implement them in a healthcare setting.

What Are the General Principles of Infection Prevention and Control?

The general principles of infection prevention and control are to be used for all patient care in any healthcare setting. They are a set of common-sense practices that when followed will prevent the spread of infection both between patients and care providers, as well as between patients. They also make use of personal protective equipment (PPE), in addition to hygiene practices.

The general principles of infection prevention and controls are as follows:

• Hand Hygiene
• Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Safe handling and disposal of sharps
• Safe handling and disposal of chemical waste
• Managing blood and bodily fluids
• Decontaminating equipment
• Achieving and maintaining a clean clinical environment
• Appropriate use of indwelling devices
• Managing accidental exposure to blood-borne viruses
• Good communication
• Training

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is recognised as the most important method of reducing the spread of disease. Hands should be washed and decontaminated before contact with patients as well as after any activity that contaminates the hands. This includes after the removal of gloves.

Hand hygiene also extends to keeping nails short and without polish, avoiding jewellery and covering any cuts with a waterproof dressing. Hand washing facilities should be provided and accessible. While alcohol gel is convenient, it should be remembered that it is not appropriate for washing away visible dirt.

The Importance of Communication

Infection prevention and control requires full adherence at all times. Therefore one of the most important considerations for any IPC policy is training and continuous communication. Furthermore, a highly-visible and ‘always there’ solution for hand hygiene products and PPE equipment must be implemented. The solution is the SaniStation range. Our collection of products are approved for NHS use and can be fully printed with your unique messaging.

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