Infection Control in Healthcare: Core Practices, Precautions, and Stewardship

Infection prevention and control (IPC) encompasses evidence-based measures to protect patients and healthcare workers from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Standard Precautions (Apply to ALL Patients)

• Hand hygiene (ABHR or soap/water)
• PPE: gloves, gown, mask, eye protection per anticipated exposure
• Safe injection practices & sharps safety
• Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette
• Environmental cleaning & disinfection of high-touch surfaces
• Reprocessing of reusable equipment
• Textile & waste management

Transmission-Based Precautions (Added for Specific Pathogens)

• Contact – MDROs, C. diff, norovirus, scabies (gown/gloves, dedicated equipment)
• Droplet – Influenza, pertussis, meningococcus (surgical mask within 6 ft)
• Airborne – TB, measles, varicella, SARS-CoV-2 (N95/PAPR, negative-pressure room)

Programmatic Pillars

• Surveillance – HAI rates (CLABSI, CAUTI, SSI, VAE, CDI) with NHSN reporting.
• Antimicrobial Stewardship – Optimize antibiotic use to curb resistance.
• Education & Competency – Ongoing training, audits, feedback.
• Outbreak Response – Rapid identification, cohorting, enhanced cleaning.

Adherence reduces morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and costs.