Infection Prevention and Control Best Practices for Long Term Care, Home and Community Care including Health Care Offices and Ambulatory Clinics June, 2007

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Basic Infection Prevention Measures

Hierarchy of Infection Control Measures

(Adapted from BC Centre for Disease Control Document on Respiratory Outbreaks)
There are important concepts regarding infection prevention and control measures that have been clarified over the past decade. Working with occupational health and safety groups and building engineers has created a framework that includes three levels of control: engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective measures.

1. Engineering controls are built into the design (private bathrooms, private rooms, HVAC systems) of a health care facility. Infection prevention and control professionals should be involved in the design and planning of new facilities. An Infection Control Risk assessment should be done to evaluate and mitigate potential risks for microorganism transmission by means of air, water and environmental sources.
2. Administrative controls include protocols for hand hygiene, immunization of residents and caregivers, protocols for managing caregivers and clients during an outbreak and protocols for caring for clients with communicable diseases.
3. Personal protective equipment is the least desirable way to control hazards as it does not eliminate them, it merely contains the hazard and is dependent on its appropriate use by educated, knowledgeable staff.

Rationale for Routine Pratices the Chain of Transmission

(Source: Public Health Agency of Canada. Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing the Transmission of Infection in Health Care. 1999. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/ 99vol25/25s4/index.html)

Transmission of infection during the provision of health care requires three elements: a source of infecting microorganisms, a susceptible host, and a means of transmission for the microorganism. In health care settings, because agent and host factors are more difficult to control, interruption of transfer of microorganisms is directed primarily at transmission.

Source

Human sources of the infecting microorganisms in health care facilities may be clients, health care providers, visitors, care providers or family members and may include persons with acute disease, persons in the incubation period of a disease, persons who are colonized by an infectious agent but have no apparent disease, or persons who are chronic carriers of an infectious agent. Other sources of infecting microorganisms can be the client’s own endogenous flora, which may be difficult to control, food, water and inanimate environmental objects that have become contaminated, including equipment and medications. The microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites transmitted through these means and also via vectors such as lice, mosquitoes, flies and vermin.

Host

Resistance among persons to pathogenic microorganisms varies greatly. Some persons may be immune to infection or may be able to resist colonization by an infectious agent. Other individuals exposed to the same agent may establish a comfortable or residential relationship with the infecting microorganism and become asymptomatic carriers. Others may develop clinical disease. Host factors such as: extremes of age; underlying diseases; certain treatments with antimicrobials, corticosteroids, or other immunosuppressive agents; irradiation; and breaks in the first line of defense mechanisms (e.g. those caused by such factors as surgical operations, anesthesia, invasive procedures and indwelling devices) may make clients more susceptible to infection. Client self-care practices can improve host susceptibility (e.g. good oral hygiene, proper hydration, nutrition, skin, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and environmental factors) and reduce risk of infection.

Transmission

Microorganisms are transmitted in health care settings by several routes, and the same microorganism may be transmitted by more than one route. There are five main routes of transmission: contact, droplet, airborne, common vehicle, and vectorborne. For the purpose of this manual, common vehicle and vectorborne will be discussed only briefly because neither play a significant role in typical health care associated infections.

1. Contact transmission, the most important and frequent mode of transmission of health care associated infections (HAI), is divided into direct and indirect contact transmission.
   • direct contact transmission involves a direct body surface-to-body surface contact and physical transfer of microorganisms between an infected or colonized person, such as occurs when a health care provider turns a client, gives a client a bath, or performs other client care activities that require direct personal contact. Direct contact transmission also can occur between two clients or a visitor, with one serving as the source of the infectious microorganisms and the other as a susceptible host. For example a visiting nurse must wash his or her hands at the beginning and end of their visit so they don’t transfer organisms from one person to another.
   • indirect contact transmission involves contact between a susceptible host and usually a contaminated inanimate object, such as equipment, instruments, and environmental surfaces. This is often the result of contaminated hands that are not washed which contaminate the object or environment. For example, activiation staff who use a ball to pass from resident to resident.
2. Droplet transmission, theoretically, is a form of contact transmission. However, the mechanism of transfer of the pathogen to the host is quite distinct from either direct or indirect contact transmission. Droplets are generated from the source person primarily during coughing, sneezing, and talking, and during the performance of certain procedures such as suctioning and administering nebulized medications. Transmission occurs when droplets containing microorganisms generated from the infected person are propelled a short distance through the air (usually less than one metre) and deposited on the host’s conjunctivae, nasal mucosa, or mouth. Because droplets do not remain suspended in the air, special air handling and ventilation are not required to prevent droplet transmission; that is, droplet transmission must not be confused with airborne transmission. Droplets can also contaminate the surrounding environment and lead to indirect contact transmission.
3. Airborne transmission occurs by dissemination of either airborne droplet nuclei (small particle residue [five mm or smaller in size] of evaporated droplets containing microorganisms or dust particles containing the infectious agent (e.g. dust created by rotary powered foot care tools). Microorganisms carried in this manner remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can be dispersed widely by air currents. These may become inhaled by a susceptible host within the same room or over a longer distance from the source client, depending on environmental factors. Environmental controls are important – special air handling and ventilation help reduce airborne transmission. Microorganisms transmitted by airborne transmission include Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Rubeola (Measles), Varicella (Chickenpox), and Diseminated Zoster (widespread shingles). In settings where environmental controls are not available, use a hierarchy of control which means using personal protective equipment. Immune individuals do not require PPE (Varicella and Rubeola).
4. Common vehicle transmission applies to microorganisms transmitted by contaminated items such as food, water and medications to multiple hosts and can cause explosive outbreaks. Control is through using appropriate standards for handling food and water and preparing medications.
5. Vectorborne transmission occurs when vectors such as mosquitoes, flies, rats, and other vermin transmit microorganisms; this route of transmission is of less significance in health care facilities in Canada than in other settings.

Routine Practices

Routine Practices are a way of thinking and acting that forms the foundation
for limiting the transmission of microorganisms in all health care settings.
It is the standard of care for all patients/clients/residents.
Reference: Rick Wray, Hospital for Sick Children

Routine Practices have been used by the Public Health Agency of Canada since 1999 for the process of risk assessment and risk reduction strategies. They are used with all clients/residents at all times and include education of health care providers, clients, families and visitors. Routine Practices supercede, and are more encompassing, than previous bloodborne pathogen precautions or Universal Precautions.

Based on the assumption that all blood and certain body fluids (urine, feces, wound drainage, sputum) contain infectious organisms (bacteria, virus or fungus), Routine Practices reduce exposure (both volume and frequency) of blood/body fluid to the health care provider. The key to implementing Routine Practices is to assess the risk of transmission of microorganisms before any interaction with patients/clients/residents. The consistent use of Routine Practices will assist in reducing exposure (both volume and frequency) of all blood/body fluid to the health care provider and transmission to others and the environment.

Routine Practices prevent transmission of microorganisms in most settings and include the following requirements (see PIDAC Routine Practices Poster- Appendix IIB):

1. Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is the single most important thing to do to prevent transmission of infection. Although health care providers know the importance of hand hygiene, studies continue to show health care providers perform hand hygiene less than half the time they should. Hand hygiene should be performed:

• Before providing care to the client
• Between dirty and clean activities
• When PPE is removed
• When leaving the client
• Use alcohol-based hand rub at 60-90% concentration ethyl or isopropyl or Hand washing with plain liquid soap and running water.
• The use of alcohol-based hand rub is the prefered method of decontamination of hands that are not visibly soiled and should be available at the point of care.
• Use hand hygiene after touching blood, body fluids, excretions and contaminated items in the client/ resident’s environment.
• Wash hands:
  • after removing gloves
  • between clients/residents
  • before contact with clean items
  • before aseptic practices on a patient

Hand hygiene also includes caring for hands to maintain intact skin. Regular use of hand lotion is recommended.

See attached Hand Hygiene Fact Sheet (Appendix IIA).

2a. Screening for communicable diseases

Screening for communicable diseases (coughs, colds and diarrhea). In the clinic setting, ask simple questions.

• Do you have a new cough or shortness of breath?
  • If no – no further questions.
  • If yes – Do you have a new fever or chills in the last 24 hours?
• Do you have new onset diarhea?
• Do you have a new undiagnosed rash?

See attached Sample Screening Poster and Example Screening Questionnaire (Appendix IIC&D).

2b. Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment: there are two levels of assessment required.

1. Point of entry or while booking appointments over the phone, a screening for fever, cough or respiratory symptoms, rash or diarrhea is done.
   
   Script for appointment booking:
   If you have symptoms of fever and cough, diarrhea or rash within 24 hours of your next appointment or visit, then let this office (or health care provider) know before the scheduled appointment (or visit).
2. Assessment should be standardized during the admission process to include the screening questions plus asking about recent exposures to infectious disease such as Chickenpox, Measles or Tuberculosis and recent travel depending on what is prevalent in your community. Other questions would include:
   • Do they have a cough and are not able to follow respiratory etiquette?
   • Do they have a fever?
   • Do they have drainage or leakage? Is it contained?
   • Are they incontinent?
   • How susceptible is the client to infection? Is their immune system intact (not the very young or very old)? Do they have invasive devices, open areas or auto-immune diseases?)
   • What is the risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin in the tasks about to be performed?
   • How competent is the health care provider in performing this task?
   • How cooperative will the client/resident be while the task is performed?

Respiratory etiquette includes covering a cough or sneeze and disposing of tissues in a waste receptacle (see attached Respiratory Etiquette poster in Appendix IIE).

 

3. Risk Reduction Strategies

Risk Reduction Strategies will assist the health care provider in minimizing his or her exposure to body fluids and mucous membranes. Once the risk assessment has been completed, strategies, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), client placement and cleaning and disinfection of equipment, should be used to reduce risk of transmission of microorganisms within the health care setting. Whenever you might come in contact with non intact skin, mucous membranes or body fluids, you need to put on a barrier or personal protective equipment (PPE).

a. Client Placement:

1. Clinic Setting - maintain a three to five foot distance until initial triage is completed. Sit beside the client (as opposed to across from). Segregate if possible in waiting rooms.
2. Planning Visit - visit client with uncontained draining wound at the end of the day.
3. Long Term Care - place susceptible clients (with open areas or indwelling tubes) with low risk clients (continence, follows directions, maintain hygiene).
   
   In long term care facilities (LTCF) it is important to assess and integrate clients into activities safely. The admission assessment will assist to identify which clients can participate in levels of interaction with other clients, for example participating in a sing-song is acceptable for a client with a covered, contained wound.

b. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protect yourself and others from body substances and mucous membranes. You will need to put on a barrier or personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever there is a risk of coming in contact with non-intact skin, mucous membranes or body fluids.

Gloves: The most commonly worn personal protective equipment is quality vinyl gloves. Choose glove material based on the risks for which you are wearing them (e.g. vinyl for personal care and wound care, latex for sterile invasive procedures, nitrile for exposure to chemicals). Wear them for likely hand exposure to blood and body fluids.

Put on clean gloves just before touching mucous membranes and non-intact skin.

Change gloves and perform hand hygiene when:

• Moving from dirty areas to clean areas on the same client
• Moving from dirty to clean procedures on the same client
• After contact with large amounts of blood and body fluids
• When in contact with blood and body fluids containing high concentrations of microorganisms

Remove gloves promptly after use and perform hand hygiene before touching clean items and environmental surfaces; before touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and before going on to another client. Remove gloves as the first step in the removal of PPE.

 

 

Masks (Surgical) Face Protection/Face Shields: Wear masks to provide protection of the health care provider’s nose and mouth from likely splashes and sprays of blood or body fluids. Face shields and eye protection guard the eyes of health care providers against likely splashes and sprays of blood or body fluids. Choose eye gear that protects the eye from all directions. Splashes and sprays can be generated from a client’s behaviour (e.g. coughing or sneezing) or during procedures (e.g. suctioning, wound irrigation, cleaning soiled equipment, using a spray hose). Surgical masks with ear loops are the easiest to put on and remove. Apply masks after donning the gown and eye protection next. Apply before performing a procedure and wear within three to five feet of the coughing, sneezing client. This prevents the transmission of microorganisms to the health care provider’s mucous membranes in their eyes, nose and mouth to reduce infection.

N95 Respirators: For additional information, please visit: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/ 99vol25/25s4/index.html.
A fit tested N95 respirator is required to protect the airways of the health care provider. It is intended to seal tightly to the face and filters airborne organisms. Wear a fit tested N95 respirator if:

• The client has a known or suspected airborne infection (e.g. Tuberculosis, Chickenpox, Measles, Disseminated Zoster or hantavirus)
• Performing aerosolizing procedures with a client with droplet infection (e.g. open suctioning, nebulized medications, BIPAP)
• Directed by public health officials with a new or emerging disease where the route of spread is not known

Gowns: Put on the gown as the first procedure when donning PPE; mask and eye protection is the second procedure. Wear long sleeved gowns to protect uncovered skin and clothing from likely splashes, sprays or soiling during procedures and client care activities. Remove the soiled gown promptly after use and perform hand hygiene to avoid transfer of organisms to clients and the environment. Remove gown after glove removal in the PPE removal sequence. See attached Fact Sheet on Gowns, Aprons and Lab Coats (Appendix IIJ)

c. Safe handling of sharps

Safe handling of sharps reduces exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Use appropriate barriers and safe work practices when using sharp instruments and devices (e.g. needles , scalpels, etc.), after procedures and when cleaning used instruments. Use point of use disposal receptacles for sharps and use puncture resistant containers with clear labels, a handle and tight fitting lid to reduce risk in the work area.

Dispose of sharps immediately in a clearly labelled, puncture resistant container. Do not recap, bend or manipulate needles in any way for disposal. The container should have a tightly fitting lid that seals and prevents leakage. This reduces risk to you, other health care providers, clients and others in the environment (e.g. waste disposal handlers). Fill containers only to ¾ full, close the lid securely and tape closed. Replace the used container. Safety of placement of the sharps container in the client’s home/mobile clinics should be a top priority in consideration of children, confused adults, drug abusers, etc.

Used sharps are considered biomedical waste in health care offices, labs and long term care facilities. Dispose of used sharps containers in accordance with regulations from municipal, provincial/territorial authorities. For home care, follow municipal regulations for disposal as some municipalities allow used needles from domestic waste to be disposed of as general waste.

• Never uncap a needle or sharp unless you know where you will dispose immediately after use
• Always carry a small sharps container in your car
• Local pharmacies often have an exchange program for sharps containers
• Check the Canadian Diabetes Website for recommendations ( http://www.diabetes.ca/ (External link))
• Ensure the safety of waste handlers by disposing of sharps in sealed puncture resistant containers

(For more information on sharps safety, please visit the Ontario Safety Association for Community and Health Care website:  http://www.osach.ca/new/SaftInfo/SEMS.html (External link).)

d. Clean Client Care Equipment

Ensure multi-use equipment is not used in the care of another client until it has been properly cleaned and re-processed. Do not re-use single use items. Use clean hands to handle clean equipment. Any equipment or device that comes in contact with mucous membranes, open areas or beneath the skin in sterile sites must be re-processed correctly. Single use items, such as a tourniquet or needle, are one-client use only and are disposed of properly.

There are three categories of client equipment (each category defines how it must be cleaned to prevent infection transmission).

• Critical — comes into contact with sterile sites (e.g. needles)
• Semi Critical — comes into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin (e.g. scopes, thermometers)
• Non Critical — comes into contact with intact skin (e.g. Blood pressure cuff)

 

 

 

 

In a health care office or long term care facility, most critical items will be disposable, one time use. See attached sheet on Sterilization and Disinfection (Appendix III).

Sterile medicines

Multidose vials must be labelled with the date, time and initials of when the vial was opened to ensure potency. Use sterile needles and clean the stopper when withdrawing medications to ensure the vial maintains sterility. There have been cases of contamination of multidose vials if syringes or needles are re-used. Avoid multidose vials if possible due to the risk of contamination.

Medications, including vaccines that require refrigeration, must be stored in a manner that ensures they remain safe (e.g. cold chain for vaccines). This requires daily monitoring and documenting of fridge storage temperature. Separate fridge storage just for medications is required.

e. Clean Environment (Housekeeping Routines):

Clean Environment (Housekeeping Routines): In long term care facilities, community agencies and health care offices, horizontal/high touch surfaces need to be cleaned daily and when visibly soiled. Housekeeping Routines should involve cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, toys and objects with a low level disinfectant (See Table 1 for types of disinfectants). Encourage clients and their caregivers to perform regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (e.g. taps, sinks, toilets, bedside tables) as one way to prevent the spread of infection to others in the home.

Table 1: Low Level Disinfectants (LLD)

Chemical	Action	Application	Exposure Time	Comments
Quaternary ammonium compounds	LLD	Daily cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces and equipment	Use as directed on the label	Fairly inexpensive, releases volatile organic compounds
Accelerated hydrogen peroxide products	LLD	Daily cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces and equipment	As directed on the label	Safe and effective
Sodium hypochlorite (1:100 dilution of household bleach)	LLD	Daily cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces and equipment	Until dry	Disinfectant but no cleaning properties

 

Table 2: Cleaning Procedures for Common Items

Surface / Object	Procedure	Special Considerations
Horizontal surfaces such as overbed tables, work counters, baby weigh scales, beds, cribs, mattresses, bedrails, call bells	1. regular cleaning with detergent 2. cleaning when soiled 3. cleaning between clients and after discharge	Special procedures called carbolizing are not necessary. Some environmental surfaces may require low level disinfection depending on the type of invasive procedure being done (nurseries, pediatric offices, procedure rooms)
Walls, blinds, curtains	Should be cleaned regularly with a detergent and as splashes/visible soil occur
Floors	1. regular cleaning 2. cleaning when soiled 3. cleaning between patients 4. damp mopping preferred	Detergent is adequate in most settings Blood/body spill should be cleaned with disposable cloths followed by disinfection with low level disinfectant
Carpets/ upholstery	Should be vacuumed regularly and shampooed as necessary
Toys	Should be regularly cleaned, disinfected with a low level disinfectant, thoroughly rinsed and dried	For pediatric settings, toys should be constructed of smooth nonporous materials to facilitate cleaning. Do not use phenolics.
Toilets and commodes	1. regular cleaning 2. cleaning when soiled 3. clean between clients/after discharge 4. use a low level disinfectant	Dedicated equipment is best

Source: PHAC Handwashing, Cleaning Disinfection and Sterilization Guideline — 1998, Page 30.

Cleaning of surfaces requires the removal of body substances by staff wearing the appropriate PPE and then disinfecting the area. Appropriate routine cleaning and removal of soil are essential. Body fluid spills or equipment used by a client requires use of PPE (usually gloves when cleaning, removing the soil) and then disinfecting the area or equipment. WHMIS sheets (MSDS) must be available for the disinfectant being used. Commercial spill kits are useful for clinics and offices.

Cleaning is accomplished with water, detergents and mechanical action. Skin antiseptics should not be used for disenfecting inanimate objects. Detergents are adequate for most surface cleaning.

1. Using friction, clean equipment with soap and water to remove any soil, dust, blood or body fluids from the surface of the equipment. A brush may be necessary.
2. Dismantle equipment to clean in crevices when possible
3. Rinse and dry

Regular schedules for daily cleaning are required. Client contact areas must be cleaned between each client. Responsibility for cleaning must be clearly assigned.

How to clean up (and disinfect) after a blood or body fluid spill:

1. Put on a pair of disposable gloves
2. Clean up the spill using paper towels, then wash the area with detergent and water
3. Wipe the surface with a fresh solution of 1:10 bleach (50ml of bleach to 450 ml of water)
4. Leave the solution in contact with the surface until dry
5. Dispose of used paper towel in garbage, remove gloves, wash hands

f. Laundry

Microbial counts on soiled linens are significantly reduced during mechanical action and dilution of washing and rinsing. With the high cost of energy and use of cold water detergents (which do not require heat to be effective), hot water washes (> 71 degrees C for 25 minutes) may not be necessary. Several studies show low temperature laundering will effectively eliminate residual bacteria to a level comparable to high temperature laundering. (Reference: PHAC Handwashing, Cleaning, Sterilization and Disinfection in Health Care, 1998, page 34.)

Linens used in the health care setting can be laundered together using detergent and dried in a hot air dryer to ensure killing of microorganisms. Linens with organic material left on them will require pre-treating to remove the material. It is impossible to clean laundry when organic material is present.

In health care settings, linen may be cleaned within the setting or sent to a commercial laundry facility. See the attached Laundry Fact Sheet in Appendix IIG for details on proper handling of laundry. Although soiled linen has been identified as a source of microorganisms, the risk of actual disease transmission appears negligible providing hygienic handling, storage and processing of clean and soiled linen are carried out. Clean laundry must be stored apart from soiled linens.

In homes, health care providers should handle any laundry soiled with blood or body fluids with gloves and avoid touching it to their clothes or skin; position the laundry basket nearby to reduce handling (keep off the floor and upholstered furniture); handle with minimal agitation and do not shake; remove fecal material into the toilet. Teach family or caregivers how to handle contaminated laundry safely. Wash heavily soiled laundry separately and add bleach to wash water according to manufacturers’ instructions if material is bleach tolerant.

g. Waste

Waste is divided into three categories; general, biomedical and pathological. Legislation requires that biomedical waste be handled and disposed of in such a way as to avoid transmission of potential infections.

The most obvious biomedical waste generated in a long term care facility, health office or community health agency are sharps. Use puncture resistant sharps containers to remove, store and dispose of used sharps such as needles, blades, razors and other items capable of causing punctures.

Some municipalities may allow needles used in the home to be disposed of as general waste. Sometimes they may require decontamination by adding bleach first and then sealing the lid. Check with local authorities for the appropriate disposal method. Teach clients and their caregiviers in homes how to handle and dispose of sharps and sharps containers safely. If legally discarding a sealed container of sharps in the garbage, place it in the middle of the garbage bag to reduce risk of injury to the waste handlers.

Non-anatomical waste, such as liquid blood or body fluid drainage (e.g. chest tube drainage containers, IV blood filled tubing), must also be packaged as biomedical waste.

See Local, Regional, Provincial and Federal regulations on waste. Licensed medical waste handlers must be used to remove biomedical and pathological waste.

Anatomical waste such as body parts is classified as pathological waste and must be disposed of according to the regulations for handling pathological waste.

All other waste, such as general office waste, used gloves or non-sharp medical equipment, may be disposed of in regular waste and requires no special handling other than containment during disposal and removal.

This does not include waste that is “domestic waste”. The Canadian definition of biomedical waste does not include domestic waste.

 

 

Liquid waste such as urine, feces, provodine iodine, irrigating solutions, suctioned fluids, excretions and secretions may be poured carefully down the client’s toilet, which is connected to a sanitary sewer or septic tank. Body fluids in small amounts such as blood in a syringe withdrawn from a CVAD before a blood sample is obtained may be discarded in a puncture proof sharps container. Provincial and territorial regulations may dictate the maximum volume of blood or body fluids that is permitted to be poured in the sanitary sewer (e.g. 300mls). If there is likely to be splashes or sprays from disposing of blood or body fluids, apply PPE.

h. Healthy Workplace – Keeping your staff and clients safe

All staff working in health care should have a two-step tubercline skin test at the beginning of employment unless they have documentation of a negative skin test in the past 12 months. The local Medical Officer of Health can advise on the need for routine testing depending on the prevalence of Tuberculosis in your community. Health care providers need to know their history of childhood communicable diseases.

Organizations should commit to promoting vaccine preventable diseases. Documentation of immune status will be considered when assigning a health care provider to a particular case.

For additional information, please review Health Canada’s Canadian Immunization Guideline at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cig-gci/index-eng.php.

 

 

 

If sharps are used in the practice setting, you will need to know where, when and how to obtain follow up after a potential bloodborne pathogen exposure.

Health care providers and volunteers practice healthy behaviours by self screening for fever, new cough, diarrhea and new rashes, and staying home when sick.

Follow-up for punctures or mucous membrane exposures to bloodborne pathogens

• Ensure you know the procedure at your facility
• First Aid: Rinse, wash and clean involved area after exposure
• Recognize importance of medical follow-up (use of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis [PEP] within one to two hours can reduce HIV transmission by 90%)
• Medical follow-up at appropriate agency to be assessed for bloodborne pathogens: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV
• Proper follow-up includes;
  • Significance of exposure
  • Risk factors
  • Prophylactic medication if indicated
  • Education and counselling for informed consent and testing if required
  • Precautions necessary

If testing is required – serial testing should be conducted at time of exposure, then at three and six months.

i. Education

Educate health care providers regarding infection prevention and control strategies.

• Who provides infection prevention and control expertise to your setting? Who would you call for help?
• In most long term care facilities, there is a pre-existing relationship with the local health unit. For community agencies and health care offices, regional infection control networks and local health units have the expertise to answer infection prevention and control questions. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Infection Control Guidelines, Centres for Disease Control and provincial guidelines provide written support.
• Provide leadership and act as a role model to other health care providers, clients/residents and families/ visitors with regard to infection prevention and control strategies
• Demonstrate work practices that reduce the risk of infection — e.g. use hand hygiene, use proper PPE, be immunized, do not come to work with a communicable disease

Educate clients/residents/families about hygiene and infection prevention strategies such as hand hygiene.

• Health care providers should have access to standardized client education materials on infection reduction strategies such as: hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, flu vaccination, ‘what to do when you’re sick’ material appropriate to their client population
• Be able to identify unusual clusters or illnesses (e.g. respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin); and be aware of person, time, place tracking; and report to the appropriate person

Infection prevention and control health promotion

• Communicate between all sectors of health care to ensure that new/current material is available
• Provide leadership and act as a role model to other health care providers, patients/residents/clients and visitors with regard to infection prevention and control principles
• Demonstrate work practices that reduce the risk of infection (e.g. use hand hygiene, use proper protective equipment, be immunized, do not come to work with a communicable disease)

Summary of Infection Prevention and Control Best practices

For Long Term Care, Home and Community Care Including Health Care Offices and Ambulatory Clinics

(See complete text for rationale)

1. Basic infection prevention measures are based on a knowledge of the chain of transmission and the application of Routine Practices in all settings at all times

2. The elements of Routine Practices include:

• Hand Hygiene
• Risk Assessment of clients
• Risk Reduction Strategies through use of personal protective equipment, cleaning the environment and equipment, laundry, disinfection and sterilization of equipment or use of single use equipment, waste management, sharps handling, client placement and healthy workplace initiatives
• Education of health care providers, clients and families/visitors/caregivers

2.1 Hand Hygiene includes handwashing and use of alcohol-based hand rub (greater than 60% alcohol) before client care, between dirty and clean and when leaving the client

2.2 Screening and assessing clients must be done to identify any communicable disease risks with the client contact

• Clients are prompted to self assess when booking appointments
• Clients are educated about respiratory etiquette

2.3 Risk Reduction Strategies that provide reduced exposure in the presence of communicable diseases must be used. Those strategies include the following:

• client placement (segregation)
• personal protective equipment — proper use and removal
• safe handling of sharps
• clean client equipment including sterile medications
• clean environment
• clean laundry
• proper handling of waste
• healthy workplace practices that keep staff and clients safe including the need for immunization and education on when to stay home from work in a health care setting plus clear follow up protocol for exposure to blood and body fluids

2.4 Providing health care provider and client education on infection prevention and control strategies is required

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