Hospitals & Long-Term Care
What is one common infection in hospitals and a key control measure?
MRSA; controlled by hand hygiene and contact precautions.
What is the most important routine practice for preventing infection in childcare centres?
Hand hygiene.
Give an example of a congregate living setting.
Group homes, shelters, long-term care facilities.
Name two types of personal service settings.
Tattoo parlors, hair salons.
Name one regulatory body responsible for IPAC in Ontario.
Ontario Ministry of Health.
Name two types of hospitals and one unique IPAC challenge for each.
Acute care (high patient turnover, risk of outbreaks); Rehabilitation (longer stays, risk of environmental contamination).
Who is responsible for maintaining a healthy environment in childcare centres?
Childcare providers, parents/caregivers, food services staff, and cleaning staff.
What is a common infection in congregate settings and a control measure?
Influenza; controlled by vaccination and isolation of ill residents.
What is the Spaulding criteria used for in PSS?
To determine the level of disinfection or sterilization required for equipment.
What is one key element of an IPAC program?
Risk assessment to identify and control infection risks.
What reporting is required for diseases of public health significance in Ontario hospitals?
Hospitals must report certain infections (e.g., C. difficile, COVID-19) to public health authorities.
Name one best practice for cleaning and disinfecting in childcare centres.
Regular cleaning and disinfection of toys and surfaces.
What is a challenge with PPE use in congregate settings?
Ensuring proper fit and consistent use among staff and residents.
What is a key infection control risk in PSS?
Improper cleaning and sterilization of instruments.
What are Routine Practices in IPAC?
Practices used with all clients to prevent transmission of microorganisms (e.g., hand hygiene, PPE).
What is one lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic for LTC and hospitals?
Importance of emergency planning and rapid outbreak response.
What legislation and best practices regulate childcare facilities in Ontario?
Child Care and Early Years Act; Public Health Ontario IPAC guidelines.
Name two types of cleaners/disinfectants used in congregate settings and their role during outbreaks.
Quaternary ammonium compounds (routine cleaning); bleach (outbreak management).
What are the components of a Worker Health and Safety Program in a PSS?
Training, PPE use, incident reporting, and vaccination policies.
What is the minimum passing grade for the Conestoga IPAC course?
60 (C).
What additional precautions are required for prion diseases in hospitals?
Use of single-use instruments, enhanced sterilization, and strict handling protocols.
What is a key step in performing a risk assessment in a childcare facility?
Identifying gaps in cleaning, hand hygiene, or exclusion policies and addressing them.
What is a key element of an outbreak preparedness plan in congregate settings?
Having protocols for isolation, communication, and enhanced cleaning.
What is a best practice for record keeping in a PSS establishment?
Documenting cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization procedures for all equipment.
What is an IPAC lapse investigation and what can trigger it?
Review of infection control gaps; triggered by outbreaks, complaints, or inspection findings.