Strong infection prevention and control teams crucial for safer healthcare system
Healthcare providers hear more about best practices during webcast, videoconference
Friday October 24, 2008 – Natalie Miller
Having effective infection prevention and control (IPAC) teams in place can help make Ontario's healthcare system safer.

This was one of the messages delivered via a live webcast and videoconference this week presented by the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC) and facilitated by the Ontario Hospital Association and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

''Best Practices for Infection Prevention and Control Programs in Ontario in All Health-Care Settings" targeted senior healthcare professionals and zeroed in on best practices for preventing and controlling the incidence of infectious disease.

Speakers focused on the importance of infection prevention and control (IPAC) programs and highlighted the new guidelines developed by PIDAC.

Dr. Mary Vearncombe, medical director of infection prevention and control at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Women's College Hospital and PIDAC committee member, led a discussion about specific activities for IPAC programs and the need for appropriate allocation of resources for these endeavours.

"Healthcare associated infections are a patient safety issue and represent a significant adverse outcome of the healthcare system."

Speakers outlined topics including who is responsible for IPAC, why it's important to have IPAC programs and the function of IPAC teams.

"The goals of an infection prevention and control program are to protect clients/patients/residents from HAI, resulting in improved survival rates, reduced morbidity from infections, shorter length of hospital stay and a quicker return to good health."

Having a competent IPAC team can also prevent the spread of infections throughout the healthcare setting, protecting patients, healthcare providers and visitors.

The IPAC best practices document itself outlines a variety of areas including effective education and training programs, as well as hand hygiene, surveillance and immunization programs. It can be viewed here.

"The best practices document provides a framework for infection prevention and control programs, including recommendations for appropriate resource allocation and specific activities for IPAC programs across the continuum of healthcare delivery," states Dr. David Williams, chief medical officer of health in the public health division of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

"The document is targeted at senior administrators in healthcare institutions, medical officers of health and others in a management role in all healthcare settings. These best practices will be useful for developing and prioritizing IPAC programs and engaging in strategic planning activities for the future."

— More to come

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