App Detail » Assessment tools for IPC programmes

App Description

The WHO infection prevention and control (IPC) core components assessment tools (IPCAT) are based on the WHO document Core components for infection prevention and control programmes. They correspond to the 8 core components of IPC programmes, which are essential to the strengthening of capacity for prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and preparing an efficient response to emergencies involving communicable diseases.

The IPC components of national and local (healthcare facility) level programmes should be aligned and consistent, but at the same time the respective roles of national and local programmes should be distinguished. A national IPC programme is intended to regulate, provide guidance, promote and supervise compliance with regulations, whereas at a local level care must be provided in a safe and efficient manner for patients, health-care workers and others. That is why two separate IPC assessment tools were developed: one for the national level (IPCAT-N) and another for the healthcare facility level (IPCAT-H).

The purpose of these evaluation tools is to help plan, organize and implement an IPC programme. The IPCATs are not intended to be used as audit tools: they should be used for planning purposes, providing a road map for IPC implementation and strengthening, and for monitoring of the implementation.

The tools are developed to provide a general overview rather than specifics on the status of HAI prevention and control activities. Neither specific IPC practices nor the risk of individual patients or specific cases are addressed.

App Changes

• June 05, 2015 Initial release