An infection prevention and control orientation module for public health nurses working with communicable and infectious diseases

Gurini, Sherri (2017) An infection prevention and control orientation module for public health nurses working with communicable and infectious diseases. Practicum Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background: All Public Health Units (PHUs) in Ontario must have an active IPAC program to ensure that Public Health Nurses (PHNs), staff, clients and the community are protected from the spread of infectious and communicable disease (Public Health Ontario, 2012; 2013). PHNs working in communicable disease control (CDC) programs care for clients in a variety of settings by helping to develop and maintain internal IPAC programs and control outbreaks. PHNs are considered experts in IPAC and are often consulted to provide guidance to the health care team and the general public. Purpose: The purpose of this practicum was to identify IPAC learning needs and develop an IPAC orientation module for CDC PHNs. The planning process of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model was used to guide the project. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was completed along with consultations and an environmental scan. The data informed the development of an orientation learning module for CDC PHNs with five key areas of learning identified: occupational health; general IPAC principles; hand hygiene; routine practices, additional precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE); and cleaning, disinfection and sterilization. Results: The findings revealed the need for a specially designed orientation module for CDC PHNs, and supported the development of a module that would meet the learning needs of the CDC PHNs. Each of the five key areas identified was addressed in a separate section with a combination of self-directed and interactive activities to meet the needs of an adult learner. Conclusion: There is a need for a specially designed IPAC orientation module for CDC PHNs. An orientation module was developed based on the findings from the literature review, consultations with key stakeholders and the environmental scan.

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