Microbial Pathogenesis & Infectious Diseases

Infection Prevention and Control

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a discipline that aims to prevent or control the spread of infections in healthcare facilities and the community. IPC programmes include activities, procedures and policies designed to reduce the spread of infections, usually within healthcare facilities. The primary goals of an IPC programme are preventing susceptible patients acquiring pathogenic (disease-causing) micro-organisms and to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistant infections. There are several components which is common to IPC programmes worldwide that includes: Skilled IPC practitioners like  nurses, doctors who co-ordinate the IPC programme activities and develop, revise, audit and implement policies .It is essential for accountability for IPC and integration of IPC as part of healthcare with direct links to clinical services and non-clinical services e.g. healthcare facility management and support services. Implementing best-practice standards and guidelines, strong education imparted to healthcare workers and surveillance for healthcare-associated infections and epidemics.