131 5.3.4 Infection Prevention and Control

Adhering to infection prevention and control (IPAC) best practices is challenging in LTC facilities.

The goals of an IPAC program are:

• To protect residents from health care-associated infections, resulting in improved survival rates, reduced morbidity associated with infections.
• To prevent the spread of infections amongst residents, health care providers, visitors and others in the healthcare environment.

Active, evidence based IPAC programs that are continuously supported by senior leadership and evaluated on a yearly basis have been demonstrated to decrease the morbidity, mortality and financial burden of outbreaks.

The NP plays an integral role in promoting best IPAC practice from education, coaching & mentoring staff.  It is important for the NP to be involved in the IPAC program in order to:

• Be aware of best practices relating to surveillance and precautions
• Be aware of best practices relating to clinical practices
• Utilize available resources to support implementation of best practices