Infection Control Lead

Course Details

• This course provides learners with in-depth knowledge of infection control relevant to the role of infection control lead. 
• You will be presented with a coursebook followed by an assessment with options for feedback and reflection.
• Once you have achieved a mark of 80% or more, you will be presented with a certificate to download.
• If you do not pass you will have the opportunity to review the content and retake the assessment.

Aims

The aim of this course is to equip the learner with knowledge of infection control enabling leadership within the practice.

Objectives

During this course learners will be able to:

• Explain their role and responsibilities as an Infection Control Lead.
• Identify different causes of infection.
• Understand bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, and prions.
• Recall the proper use and selection of personal protective equipment.
• Identify when surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected.
• Detail procedures for disinfection of impressions, prostheses, and orthodontic appliances.
• Demonstrate the importance of high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Understand how to prevent infection in a clinical environment.
• Identify the differences between best practice and essential quality requirements.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive decontamination process.
• List recommended vaccinations for clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers.
• Detail standards relating to spillages and the procedure for dealing with a spillage.
• Explain the importance of waste segregation.
• Create and maintain comprehensive validation records.
• Understand the minimum contents of an infection control policy and how often it should be reviewed.
• Identify the requirement of auditing and implement accurate record-keeping systems.
• Detail CQC requirements and evidence required during an inspection.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course the learner will gain an understanding of:

• The day to day responsibilities of an infection control lead.
• How the role of the infection control lead benefits both practice and patients.
• The definition of infection control and the practical steps that can be implemented to stop the spread of infection.
• The chain of infection.
• When to perform hand hygiene and effective hand hygiene processes.
• Blood-borne viruses and how to effectively manage needlestick injuries.
• How biofilm is formed and how to eliminate biofilm.
• The legal requirements for safer sharps.
• The role of vaccination and types of immunity.
• Legionella and the potential sources of this infection.
• The health risks associated with legionnaires disease and those who are most susceptible.
• The duty of care to ensure that the water supply, storage and distribution services comply with best practice guidance.
• The requirement to undertake a written legionella risk assessment of hot and cold water plumbing and DUWLs.
• Staff training requirements.
• The National Patient Safety Agency colour coding scheme.
• The decontamination process.
• The decontamination processes acceptable under EQR.
• The benefits of different methods of decontamination.
• The appropriate surgery checks that an infection control lead should undertake.
• How to carry out a risk assessment and what an infection control risk assessment must include.

GDC Development Outcomes

B,C,D

Topics covered