SME in Infection Prevention & Control

Certification by: Association for Healthcare Quality Professionals (AHQP)

Mode: Virtual + Practical Assessment

Total Duration: 30 Hours (24 Hours Training + 6 Hours Assessment)

Evaluation: Written Examination + Practical Assessment + Project Submission

Course Objectives

By the end of this certification, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of infection prevention and control standards and principles.
• Design, implement, and evaluate hospital IPC programs.
• Conduct surveillance, outbreak investigations, and risk assessments effectively.
• Lead IPC teams and audits to ensure regulatory and accreditation compliance.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert guiding policy, training, and continuous improvement in IPC.

Module 1: Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control (3 Hours)

• History and Evolution of Infection Control
• Chain of Infection and Standard Precautions
• Transmission-Based Precautions (Contact, Droplet, Airborne)
• Hand Hygiene: WHO 5 Moments, Techniques, and Compliance Monitoring
• Role and Responsibilities of IPC Professionals

Module 2: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) and Surveillance (4 Hours)

• Common HAIs: CAUTI, CLABSI, VAP, SSI, HAP
• Case Definitions and Data Collection Methods
• Infection Surveillance Systems and Indicators
• Benchmarking and Use of NHSN/CDC Tools
• Data Validation and Analysis

Module 3: Sterilization, Disinfection & Environmental Hygiene (3 Hours)

• Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization Principles
• Spaulding Classification
• Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) Management
• Biomedical Waste Management and Segregation
• Environmental Cleaning Audits and Monitoring

Module 4: Antimicrobial Stewardship (3 Hours)

• Principles of Rational Antimicrobial Use
• Resistance Mechanisms and Trends
• ASP Team Composition and Roles
• Monitoring Antibiotic Use and Resistance Data
• Integration of ASP with IPC Programs

Module 5: Outbreak Investigation and Epidemiology (3 Hours)

• Epidemiologic Triad and Transmission Dynamics
• Outbreak Detection, Verification, and Management Steps
• Root Cause Analysis in Infection Clusters
• Reporting and Documentation
• Communication and Coordination During Outbreaks

Module 6: Occupational Health and Safety (2 Hours)

• Staff Immunization and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
• Needle Stick and Sharps Injury Prevention
• PPE Usage and Compliance Audits
• Employee Health Surveillance and Counseling

Module 7: Infection Control in Specialized Areas (3 Hours)

• Operation Theatres and Critical Care Units
• Dialysis Units and Endoscopy Suites
• Isolation Rooms and Negative Pressure Units
• Sterile Supply and Laundry Services
• Infection Control in Outpatient and Home Care Settings

Module 8: Quality, Audit & Accreditation in IPC (3 Hours)

• NABH/JCI/WHO Guidelines on IPC
• IPC Policy, SOPs, and Documentation Standards
• IPC Committee Structure and Responsibilities
• Internal Audits and Compliance Tracking
• Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in IPC Programs

Module 9: Leadership & SME Role Development (2 Hours)

• Role of Subject Matter Expert in IPC
• Training, Mentorship, and Capacity Building
• Data-Driven Decision Making and Reporting
• Integrating IPC with Hospital Quality and Safety Strategy

Assessment Structure

1. Written Examination (50 Marks)

• Format: Multiple Choice + Short Answer Questions
• Duration: 1.5 Hours
• Coverage: All modules (theory, standards, and practices)

2. Practical Assessment (30 Marks)

• Format:
• Case Study: HAI Surveillance or Outbreak Management
• RCA/FMEA Exercise in Infection Scenario
• Practical Evaluation: Hand Hygiene/Disinfection Audit

3. Project Submission & Viva (20 Marks)

• Participants to submit:
• A mini IPC improvement or surveillance project conducted in their institution
• Presentation and viva before AHQP expert panel

Certification Criteria

To be awarded the “Subject Matter Expert in Infection Prevention” certification, participants must:

✅ Attend at least 80% of sessions

✅ Score a minimum of 60% overall in exams

✅ Successfully complete and present the IPC Project

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