Module Key Takeaways

• IPC - refers to the policies and procedures used to minimize the risks of infection transmission, particularly in healthcare settings. It involves standards, procedures, materials and human resources to break the chain of transmission of infections.
• IPC strategies to prevent or limit transmission in health care settings include; Ensuring triage, early recognition, and source control; Applying standard precautions for all patients, Implementing empiric additional precautions for suspected cases of COVID-19 infection, Implementing administrative controls and Using environmental and engineering controls.
• Standard Precautions are a set of guidelines designed to create physical, chemical and mechanical barriers between microorganism and person to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission infection within healthcare settings. They are the first level precautions that set a minimum infection prevention measures.
• Hand hygiene is THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT measure to prevent transmission of infection and is the cornerstone of IPC.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) functions as a physical barrier to the transmission of infectious particles present in bodily fluids. They include: gloves, aprons, eye protection, masks and gowns.
• Cleaning  is an essential prerequisite to ensure effective disinfection or sterilization.. Apply proper cleaning practices before disinfection and sterilization of medical instruments.
• Waste generated during CoVID-19 case management should be considered as medical waste or infectious waste.