Care Certificate Standard 15 Answers Guide – Infection prevention and control
Care Certificate Standard 15, which aims to equip health and social care workers with knowledge and skills to prevent and control infections:
15.1 Prevent the Spread of Infection
Preventing the spread of infection is critical in health and social care settings to protect both individuals receiving care and care providers.
This involves understanding how infections occur and spread and implementing effective measures, such as good hygiene practices, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to cleaning protocols. Ensuring all staff are trained and adhering to these measures significantly reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
15.1a Describe the Main Ways an Infection Can Get Into the Body
Infections can enter the body through various routes:
- Respiratory tract: Inhalation of airborne pathogens, such as those causing colds or the flu.
- Gastrointestinal tract: Ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Breaks in skin: Cuts, abrasions, or puncture wounds may allow pathogens to enter. - Mucous membranes: Eyes, nose, and mouth are common entry points through which pathogens can enter, especially if touched by contaminated hands.
Urinary tract: Catheter use or poor personal hygiene can introduce pathogens.
15.1b Demonstrate Effective Hand Hygiene
Effective hand hygiene is one of the most important measures to prevent the spread of infection:
- Handwashing: Use soap and water, scrub all parts of the hands for at least 20 seconds, and rinse thoroughly. Dry hands completely to prevent chapping, which can harbour bacteria.
- Hand sanitising: Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available. Rub hands together, covering all surfaces, until they’re dry.
- Regular hand hygiene should be performed before and after all patient contact, after contact with potentially infectious material, before performing aseptic tasks, and after removing gloves.
15.1c Explain How Their Own Health or Hygiene Might Pose a Risk to the Individuals They Support or Work With
Personal health and hygiene of care workers can significantly impact those they’re supporting:
- Illnesses: If a care worker is unwell (e.g., has a cold or gastrointestinal infection), they can transmit these pathogens to vulnerable patients.
- Poor hygiene: Not adhering to hygiene practices (e.g., not washing hands properly after using the restroom) increases the risk of spreading infections.
- Open wounds: Untreated or uncovered wounds can be a source of infections.
- Care workers should always practice good personal hygiene, report illnesses, and refrain from direct care activities if they are unwell to avoid compromising client health.
15.1d List Common Types of Personal Protective Clothing, Equipment and Procedures and How and When to Use Them
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes:
- Gloves: Use for any potential contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, and contaminated items or surfaces.
- Aprons/Gowns: Use during activities likely to cause splashes or contamination of clothing.
- Masks/Respirators: Use to protect respiratory tracts when dealing with airborne pathogens or during procedures that generate aerosols.
- Eye protection: Use if there’s risk of splashes to the eyes, such as during certain medical procedures. Each type of PPE should be used according to the specific situation and discarded after use to prevent contamination.
15.1e Explain the Principles of Safe Handling of Infected or Soiled Linen and Clinical Waste
Safe handling of infected or soiled linen and clinical waste is crucial to prevent cross-contamination:
- Infected/soiled linen: Wear gloves and apron when handling. Do not shake soiled linen to avoid dispersing pathogens. Place directly into designated laundry bags and ensure these are disposed of or laundered according to local protocols.
- Clinical waste: Segregate waste types (e.g., sharps, biohazard materials) using appropriate colour-coded bags/containers. Ensure containers are sealed and labelled correctly and disposed of through designated clinical waste streams.
- Adhering to these principles helps maintain a safe environment for both care providers and recipients.