Unit 233: Infection Prevention and Control
Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a critical component within the Health & Social Care sector. It involves implementing strategies and practices that prevent the spread of infection, safeguarding the health and well-being of individuals receiving care, as well as healthcare professionals. This unit 233 focuses on equipping learners with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in identifying infection risks, following standard infection control protocols, and protecting individuals from the risk of infection. Through the understanding of infection pathways, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to hygiene practices, learners will contribute to maintaining a safe and healthy care environment.
Learning Outcomes
The significant learning outcomes of Unit 233: Infection Prevention and Control are demonstrated below:
LO1: Prevent the Spread of Infection
The core focus of this learning outcome is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the causes and transmission of infections within health and social care settings. Learners will explore the chain of infection and identify the standard Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) precautions that must be followed to protect themselves and others. Additionally, learners will understand how their own health, hygiene practices, and vaccination status can pose a risk to others. By achieving this learning outcome, learners will be able to apply infection control measures effectively and contribute to maintaining a safe and hygienic care environment.
LO2: Protect Individuals from the Risk of Infection
This learning outcome focuses on equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to protect individuals from the risk of infection. Learners will identify the appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing, understand the safe handling and disposal of infected materials, and learn effective methods for cleaning and decontamination. By gaining this knowledge, learners will be able to follow infection control protocols, prevent cross-contamination, and maintain a safe and sterile care environment.
Assessment Criteria
LO1: Prevent the spread of infection
- AC1.1: Describe the causes of infection
Infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Poor hygiene practices, contaminated surfaces, and direct contact with infected individuals are common causes of infection.
- AC1.2: Describe the main ways infection can get into the body
Infection can enter the body through the respiratory system, breaks in the skin, ingestion of contaminated food or water, and contact with bodily fluids.
- AC1.3: Describe the chain of infection
The chain of infection includes six key stages: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Breaking this chain is essential to prevent infection spread.
- AC1.4: Describe standard Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) precautions which must be followed to protect:
- Self: Wearing PPE, practicing hand hygiene, and following safe handling procedures.
- Others: Proper waste disposal, sanitising equipment, and maintaining a clean care environment.
- AC1.5: Outline where to find the most up-to-date information about Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) precautions
Current IPC guidelines can be accessed through organisations such as the NHS, Public Health England, and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- AC1.6: Explain how the following might pose a risk to others:
- Own health: If unwell or carrying an infection.
- Own personal hygiene: Poor handwashing practices or unclean clothing.
- Own vaccination status: Lack of immunisation against certain diseases.
- Own exposure to infections: Contact with infected individuals without proper precautions.
- AC1.7: Summarise own job role in preventing infection at work
Maintaining hygiene, using PPE, following infection control protocols, and reporting any health concerns are essential duties to prevent infection spread.
- AC1.8: Use products to perform effective hand hygiene
Demonstrate proper handwashing techniques using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser to remove germs and prevent contamination.
LO2: Protect individuals from the risk of infection
- AC2.1: Identify common types of personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing
PPE includes gloves, masks, aprons, goggles, and face shields.
- AC2.2: Describe when to use common types of personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing
PPE should be used when in contact with bodily fluids, during cleaning procedures, and when handling infectious materials.
- AC2.3: Describe how to use common types of personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing
Wear gloves when handling waste, use masks during close patient interaction, and properly dispose of used PPE after use.
- AC2.4: Describe the safe handling for spillages of bodily fluids
Use absorbent materials, disinfect the area, and wear gloves and other protective gear to prevent contamination.
- AC2.5: State the principles of safe handling and disposal of:
- Infected or soiled linen: Place in designated bags and launder at high temperatures.
- Infected or soiled equipment: Clean and disinfect properly after use.
- Clinical waste: Dispose of in appropriate bins and follow waste management protocols.
- AC2.6: Describe appropriate methods for cleaning and/or decontamination of the care environment
Use disinfectants, regularly clean high-touch surfaces, and follow cleaning schedules.
- AC2.7: Describe appropriate methods for cleaning and/or decontamination of care equipment
Sterilise reusable equipment, use disposable items where possible, and store equipment in a clean environment.
- AC2.8: Use PPE appropriate to the care activity, including putting on and taking off safely
Follow the correct sequence of donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) PPE to avoid contamination.
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