Recent emerging infectious diseases have highlighted the relevance and need for all staff across Alberta Health Services (AHS) to understand and apply infection prevention and control (IPC) principles and practices. With time and fatigue, attention to IPC practices can wane. Ongoing staff training is required to maintain proficiency in applying IPC principles and practices in all areas of healthcare delivery. Competencies for Healthcare Providers (HCP) have been outlined by Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC-Canada 2022). There is Canada-wide consensus on common core competencies in Infection Prevention and Control that apply to all HCP across all healthcare sectors, including direct patient care and all supporting healthcare activities. IPC is committed to refining educational resources and to employing a variety of learning approaches that are engaging, meaningful and relevant to AHS staff in their various practice contexts. The following illustrates the IPC competencies for AHS HCP using the chain of infection model. Links have been included to current content, education and resources and will evolve as further materials are developed.
Important:
This Required Organizational Learning course provides information about basic infection prevention and control requirements. This course will take 20-30 minutes to complete.
The PPE module is intended for both HCWs with direct patient contact and HCWs who have contact with the patient environment or patient equipment. It reviews the significance of PPE use and familiarizes HCWs with the various types of PPE, highlighting the importance of using a PCRA before every interaction to determine what PPE is required. Using practice scenarios, the module also outlines the specific processes required for PPE donning and doffing. Recognizing that competence in PPE use is achieved through practice; we recommend that the module be used in conjunction with hands-on practice using PPE. This course will take 30-45 minutes to complete.
Viral Hemorrhagic Fever modules provides information about PPE required during the care of patients with suspect or confirmed VHF. Each module takes 20-30 minutes to complete. These courses are intended for non-employees of AHS. If you are employed by AHS, please complete the VHF modules through MyLearningLink in order to maintain a record of completion for your employee file.
This course will review the significance of specific IPC strategies in the context of caring for suspect or confirmed patients with VHF/Ebola in relation to the use of PPE. It will familiarize HCWs with the various types of PPE used when caring for suspect or confirmed patients with VHF/Ebola. The course will also outline the specific processes required for donning, doffing and using the PPE and prepare HCWs for practical training in the donning and doffing of PPE. This module will be used in conjunction with review of the PPE training package and live demonstration, including hands-on practice of donning and doffing of PPE.
This course provides a basic understanding of the AHS Infection Prevention and Control Program structure and role, basic IPC principles, and how those principles relate to every health care provider and their practice. The course can be used as a standalone online course or as part of a Flipped Learning experience.
Course Objectives
Participants will:
Alcohol-based Hand Rub
Hand Health
Hand Washing
Webinars
