Basics of Infection Control

It is important that an Infection Control Nurse must educate all the healthcare staff about the basics of infection control in preventing the spread of an infection. All patients are susceptible to HAIs because of potential exposure to microorganisms while in a healthcare setting. Every healthcare professional must follow the basic principles of infection control in preventing HAIs by modeling behaviors to prevent transmission of microorganisms between patients, including proper use of PPE, following agency policies, and understanding the vulnerability of patients and chain of infection control.

Standard precautions are the basic level of infection control which is to be used, as a minimum, in the care of patients. Hand hygiene is a major component of standard precautions; and, In addition to hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment should be followed. All individuals (including patients and visitors) should comply with infection control practices in a healthcare setting. The control of spread of pathogens from the source is key to avoid transmission by following the basic principles.

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