Functioning of Infection Control Committee
Functioning of Infection Control Committee
*Dr.T.V.Rao MD
PURPOSE OF THE COMMITTEE
The main purpose, its main function is to prevent and control nosocomial infections. That is
accomplished in a variety of ways some of which include: surveillance of nosocomial infections,
product evaluation in particular the anti-septics and chemical used in the Hospitals , investigation of
infection outbreaks and infection including the reasons associated with surgical site infections ,
development of infection control procedures for all departments, staff and patient education,
medical waste management, etc.
How Does the Infection Control Committee Prevent and Control Infection?
Successful prevention and control of infection requires careful planning.
PLANNING 1 The Infection Control Committee is actively involved with the planning and
implementation of new procedures that pose a potential infection control risk. For example, it may
provide guidance for the set-up of a new operation theatres and remodelling of Operation theatres
an endoscopy lab or the implementation of a new procedure. Its role in the planning process is to
examine the proposal, identify potential areas of concern, and recommend a course of action that
provides the best method of infection control.
3 MONITORING. The Infection Control Committee also monitors infectious processes within the
health care facility. They track nosocomial infections and incidents that have the potential to cause
infections. They review infection control statistics from the facility in an effort to minimize risk,
identify problem areas, and implement corrective actions. When infections do occur, the committee
undertakes epidemiological investigations to determine the cause of the problem and recommends
the necessary education or changes in protocols.
4 EDUCATION: Finally, as an integral part of its leadership, the committee must take an active role
in staff education. It involves regular orientation on safe procedures which can reduce infections
that role may be a hands-on approach or it may be an advisory role in partnership with the facility's
education department. However it functions, the committee must set direction for staff education
and validation of that education. The education process should address at least two specific areas.
The first area should be that of general infection control education. This is usually accomplished
through an annual education program designed for all employees. This program is designed to
provide the groundwork for general infection control protocols, which create a safe environment for
both patients and employees. Information such as standard blood borne pathogen education, etc. is
covered in these programs.
7 TO MAKE THE PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL. The purpose of the Infection Control Committee is
simple: to prevent and control infection. Achieving that goal requires the skills and input of the many
health care disciplines that serve on the committee and the cooperation of all employees. The
Infection Control Committee is designed to provide clear direction to help everyone create and
maintain a safe environment.
8 AUDITING The Department of Microbiology will Audit and present the Incidence and
Prevalence of Multi drug resistant strains in the Hospital the effective measures will be suggested
with conscience of the Coordinating committee
9 INFECTION CONTROL NURSE - The role of the Infection control Nurse has unlimited potential to
make the program a great success with continuous vigilance on matters related to infection and
active role I educating the paramedical staff on safe practices
10 Standard Operating procedures The respective departments will create and implement
standard operative guidelines as recommended by WHO and CDC and National Institute of health
(NIH) or any other suggested