Infection Prevention and Control Principles

What Will You Learn?

• Define and differentiate between key terms related to infection prevention and control, including asepsis, disinfection, sterilization, colonization, and infection.
• Explain the rationale for and components of Standard Precautions, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, safe injection practices, and safe handling of sharps.
• Demonstrate proper hand hygiene techniques, including handwashing with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based hand rub.
• Select and use appropriate PPE based on the potential for exposure to infectious agents.
• Demonstrate the correct procedures for donning and doffing PPE to minimize the risk of self-contamination.
• Describe the elements of respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette and implement strategies to promote its use in healthcare settings.
• Apply safe injection practices to prevent contamination of medications and equipment.
• Implement safe handling practices for sharps to prevent needlestick injuries.
• Explain the principles of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization and select appropriate methods for different types of equipment and surfaces.
• Identify the three types of Transmission-Based Precautions (Contact, Droplet, andAirborne) and describe the specific measures required for each.
• Apply Transmission-Based Precautions appropriately based on the known or suspected infectious agent.
• Locate and utilize relevant guidelines and resources for infection prevention and control from organizations such as the CDC, WHO, and APIC.
• Participate effectively in infection prevention and control efforts within their healthcare setting.