On this page: Background | Regional IP Map | Educational Resources | Setting-Specific Resources | Regulatory Resources
Background
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices are used daily to prevent or stop the spread of infections and disease in the general community and in all types of healthcare settings. These practices include standard recommendations proven to reduce the risk of disease transmission and represent essential actions for patient safety and quality of healthcare. A basic understanding of IPC standard practices is necessary to implement safe and responsible care and ensure these practices are followed by all. Links are provided to full guidelines and source documents for more details and background information.
VDH Infection Prevention and Control Assessments
Our team is available to conduct no cost, consultative, non-regulatory, and non-punitive onsite assessments for infection prevention and control (IPC) programs in Virginia.
Benefits of Collaborating with VDH for IPC Assessments:
- The VDH Team can help strengthen your facility’s IPC program and activities
- IPC Program improvements make your facility safer for patients and staff
- VDH experts can answer your questions and provide education and training at no cost
What to Expect at your IPC Assessment:
- Before the in-person assessment, VDH will ask you some demographic questions to understand your facility better
- During the visit, VDH staff will tour your facility to learn and observe IPC practices
- After the visit, VDH staff will:
- Provide a written summary of facility strengths and recommendations for IPC improvement
- Offer follow-up discussion
- Supply resources and education tailored to your needs
Regional IP Map
In addition to HAI/AR staff at Central Office, a team of Regional Infection Preventionists is available for IPC consultation. Please contact hai@vdh.virginia.gov.
Local Health Departments
Contact your local health department to report cases of disease, outbreaks, or ask infection prevention-related questions.
Educational Resources
- FAQs: Working with Your Health Department
- FAQs: Recommended Training for Staff
- Form: Transfer Sheet
- Glossary of infection prevention terms
- Guidance: How to Educate Adult Learners (Summer 2011)
- (NEW) Policy Template: Animals in Healthcare Facilities
- VDH Education Fair Posters on Core Infection Prevention Strategies
- Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Calls/Webinars
- HAI Prevention, Control, and Outbreak Response Resources
- Infection Control Basics
- Infection Control Guidelines and Guidance Library
- Infection Control Tools and Resources
- STRIVE Infection Control Training – Strategies for Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections>
- Project Firstline provides innovative and accessible infection control education for all frontline healthcare
Supplementary sources that provide valuable infection prevention resources:
Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)
- Infection Control Risk Assessment Example
- Practice guidance for infection prevention
- Education and certification
- Chain of infection infographic
- Resources for patients/consumers
- APIC Virginia website
Council for Outbreak Response: Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens (CORHA)
- Resources and Products – resources on various infection prevention topics with a focus on principles and practices for healthcare outbreak response
Health Quality Innovation Network (HQIN)
- Infection Prevention Program Guide for Healthcare Settings
- Resources (searchable by topic and setting)
- Best practices pocket cards
Statewide Program in Infection Control and Epidemiology (SPICE)
Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group
- Virginia Infection Prevention and Control Training Alliance (VIPTA) - Check the Education & Training Resource Library for infection prevention and control materials
VCU Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center
- Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center (VIPTC) - resource created to meet the growing needs of healthcare and congregate care facilities in the areas of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
Setting-Specific Resources
Infection prevention and control resources specific to long-term care settings:
- CDC IPC Risk Assessment for Long-Term Care Facilities
- FAQs: Communicating Medical Information During Resident Transfer
- Guidance: Sick Staff (for Administrators)
- Guidance: Sick Staff (for Providers and Staff)
Regulatory Resources
- Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)
- Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS)
- Virginia Department of Health