RACGP have just launched the new Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines for general practices and other office-based and community-based practices (the IPC Guidelines).
The IPC Guidelines provide you with updated guidance on planning and implementing high standards of infection prevention and control in your workplace by addressing:
the basics of infection prevention and control (including principles, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, aseptic technique, levels of precaution)
managing risks to staff (including staff screening immunisation and infection management, sharps, exposure to blood and other body substances)
managing the practice environment (including cleaning, laundry and waste management)
managing equipment (including reprocessing reusable medical devices)
managing outbreaks (including disease surveillance and outbreak response)
practice setup (including practice design, fit-out, equipment and consumables).
The IPC Guidelines are intended as a guide to assist health professionals in office-based practices in the implementation of infection prevention and control procedures. Practices are not accredited against the IPC Guidelines but may refer to them in meeting relevant criteria in the Standards for general practices (5th edition).
The RACGP developed the IPC Guidelines in partnership with the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA).