With the recent Coronavirus pendemic, worldwide attention has been focusing on preventing the control and spread of this deadly infection. The basics of personal heath habits have been forgotten by most – until now. It’s fair to say, with government video’s and TV ads detailing the correct way to wash your hands has woken up millions of Australian’s to realising just how easy infection can spread. Airborne droplets reaching the face can infect the most unsuspecting person, therefore increasing the risk of COVID-19 infection.
As part of medical training and accreditation, infection control training is one of the most important units of competency.
Did you know; infection control training forms part of 38 qualifications in the Health (HLT), Community Services (CHC) and of all places the Property Services Training Package.
Throughout your study of the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care you will cover the unit Comply with Infection Prevention and Control Policies and Procedures (HLTINF001) which describes the skills and knowledge required to follow infection prevention and control procedures in the workplace. Infection control training
The following table, outlines the Elements and Performance Criteria for this infection control training course.
In simple terms Elements define the outcomes when studying the topic. Performance Criteria specifies what tasks you as a student are required to demonstrate an understanding of the Element.
Summarising the learning outcomes, would look something like this.
Upon completion of this unit, you’ll be able to follow precautions for prevention and control of infection in the workplace. You’ll also be more aware of your responsibilities towards identifying infection hazards and be confident in assessing infection control risks. Once identified, your training and knowledge learned makes it easy to follow organisational procedures to manage risks associated with those hazards previously identified.
Example.
Element: Follow standard and additional precautions for infection prevention and control.
Simply put, as part of your responsibility as a health care worker, you are required to follow the recommendation in your workplace to prevent the spread of infection occurring. You achieve this by, following hand hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly during your daily activities.
You’ll also be expected to adequately cover your small wounds and grazes, wear the correct clothing called PPE (personal protection equipment) and be aware of the correct process to follow when coughing or sneezing. There are many other examples as you can see from the table below. For the most part, it’s just common sense.
In short – make sure you do everything you can to prevent infection from occurring in the work place. If you come across an infection risk, identify the issues and apply the correct solution to manage the risk of contamination and the spread of infection.
Follow standard and additional precautions for infection prevention and control
Identify infection hazards and assess risks
Follow procedures for managing risks associated with specific hazards
Follow | Identify | Implement | Apply | Assess | Minimise | Maintain | Manage | Confine | Separate | Remove
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ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
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Elements define the outcomes |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element |
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1. Follow standard and additional precautions for infection prevention and control |
1.1 Follow hand hygiene practices in accordance with organisations policies and procedures 1.2 Implement hand care procedures and cover cuts and abrasions 1.3 Follow organisation procedures for choice and use of personal protection equipment 1.4 Follow procedures for respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette 1.5 Follow procedures for environmental cleaning 1.6 Follow procedures for handling, transporting and processing of linen in a manner that controls the spread of infection 1.7 Follow procedures for disposal of contaminated waste 1.8 Follow procedures for handling and cleaning client equipment that prevents skin and mucous membrane exposures, contamination of clothing, and transfer of pathogens 1.9 Identify and respond to situations where additional precautions may be required to prevent transmission of infection |
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2. Identify infection hazards and assess risks |
2.1 Identify infection hazards associated with own role and work environment 2.2 Identify own areas of responsibility in relation to infection prevention and control 2.3 Assess risk by determining the likelihood and severity of harm from identified hazards. 2.4 Document and report activities and tasks that put self, clients, visitors and/or other workers at risk 2.5 Identify appropriate control measures to minimise risk in accordance with organisations procedures |
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3. Follow procedures for managing risks associated with specific hazards |
3.1 Follow protocols for care after exposure to blood or other body fluids as required 3.2 Place appropriate signs when and where appropriate 3.3 Remove spills in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation 3.4 Minimise contamination of materials, equipment and instruments by aerosols and splatter 3.5 Identify, separate and maintain clean and contaminated zones 3.6 Confine records, materials and medicaments to a well-designated clean zone 3.7 Confine contaminated instruments and equipment to a well-designated contaminated zone |
This section deals with how you as a student must show evidence of your ability to complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria list, as well as being able to manage tasks and contingencies whilst performing your job role. There must be evidence that you as a student has:
This includes knowledge of:
The following conditions must be met for this unit.
As a student, this is what you will be assessed on;
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
To see more details on this paramedical unit (HLTINF001 – Comply with Infection Prevention and Control Policies and Procedures) click here to view the full details here on training.gov
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