On this page: Background | ICARs | Regional IP Map | Educational Resources | Setting Specific Resources | Regulatory Resources
Background
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices are used daily to prevent or stop the spread of infections and disease in the general community and in all types of healthcare settings. These practices include standard recommendations proven to reduce the risk of disease transmission and represent essential actions for patient safety and quality of healthcare. A basic understanding of IPC standard practices is necessary to implement safe and responsible care and ensure these practices are followed by all. Links are provided to full guidelines and source documents for more details and background information.
- Glossary of infection prevention terms
- Infection prevention resources and guidelines
- Table: Infection Prevention Practices for Selected Diseases (Summer 2011)
- Fact sheet: Chain of Infection
- Fact sheet: Microbiology 101 (Summer 2011)
- FAQs: Working with Your Health Department
- FAQs: Recommended Training for Staff
- FAQs: Communicating Medical Information During Resident Transfer
- Form: Transfer Sheet
- Guidance: How to Educate Adult Learners (Summer 2011)
- Guidance: Sick Staff (for Administrators)
- Guidance: Sick Staff (for Providers)
Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group
- Virginia Infection Prevention and Control Training Alliance (VIPTA) - Check the Education & Training Resource Library for infection prevention and control materials
VCU Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center
- Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center (VIPTC) - resource created to meet the growing needs of healthcare and congregate care facilities in the areas of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
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Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is an easy and effective way to prevent the spread of germs in healthcare settings.
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Environmental Cleaning & Disinfection
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and medical equipment is important to decrease and prevent the spread of germs to people.
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Injection Safety
Safe injection practices help prevent the spread of viruses (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus), bacteria and/or other pathogens.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE provides physical barriers that prevent the hands, skin, clothing, eyes, nose, and mouth from coming in contact with germs.
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Respiratory Hygiene
Respiratory hygiene is a way to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like the flu or the common cold.
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Infection Control Precautions and Considerations by Healthcare Setting
Infection control and prevention needs may vary across different healthcare settings, procedures, and patients.
For more information on infection prevention and control education and training, please visit the VDH Project Firstline website.
Additional questions about infection prevention and control? Please contact hai@vdh.virginia.gov.