IPAC Canada – the smart way to advance infection prevention and control.
The Profession
Value Proposition: IPAC Canada – the smart way to advance infection prevention and control.
Mission: To advance infection prevention and control by advocating for our members and providing access to evidence-based resources, education and networking opportunities.
Vision: A world without preventable infections.
Values Statements:
- To act with Integrity: To be principled, ethical and respectful in all our activities.
- To be Inclusive: To be active in promoting positive and diverse healthcare environments that are free from bias and discrimination.
- To be an Advocate: To champion member needs and advance evidence-based infection prevention and control practices to all stakeholders.
- To be Accountable: To be an effective and responsible leader while achieving IPAC Canada’s strategic goals.
A Message From Our President
Our Organization
IPAC CANADA (Infection Prevention and Control Canada) is a multidisciplinary, professional organization for those engaged in the prevention and control of infections. IPAC Canada was incorporated under the Canadian Corporation Act in 1976 and is a registered non-profit organization. IPAC Canada has over 2000 members across the globe.
IPAC Canada is a Not-for-Profit charitable organization whose revenues come from annual membership revenues, conference revenues, commercial advertising and unrestricted grants for specific projects. IPAC Canada does not endorse or recommend the products or services of any commercial entity that advertises on the IPAC Canada website.
IPAC Canada provides communication and education for those involved in infection control activities. Its goal is to prevent infections and as a result improve patient care and staff health in hospitals, other health care facilities, and the community by:
- initiating and coordinating effective communication and cooperation among all disciplines united by infection control activities
- supporting and/or developing effective and rational infection control practices
- standardizing infection control practices
- promoting research in areas related to infection control
- promoting and facilitating infection control education for both infection control practitioners and other personnel working in hospitals, nursing homes and related institutions.
Our Members
Infection Control Professionals come from many different backgrounds within the health care field. These include disciplines such as nursing, medicine, microbiology, medical technology and epidemiology. Certification in Infection Control (CIC®) is also available by passing an examination set by the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC). IPAC Canada supports this certification. Accreditation Canada requires all accredited hospitals to have systems in place to ensure provision of infection control activities.
Definition of an ICP
IPAC Canada is very appreciative of its members who represent many different disciplines and settings. The Board of Directors of IPAC Canada has defined the criteria for members who can be classified as an Infection Prevention and Control Professional (ICP) .
An Infection Prevention and Control Professional (ICP) is an individual who is employed with the primary responsibility for development, implementation, evaluation, and education related to policies, procedures, and practices that impact the prevention of infections. Integral competencies to the role include knowledge of infectious disease processes, microbiology, routine practices and additional precautions, surveillance, principles of epidemiology, research utilization and education. The performance of these activities and application of competencies will vary depending on the setting in which the ICP functions. Additional supporting competencies include communication, leadership, and professionalism. An ICP who demonstrates infection prevention and control competencies should be Certified in Infection Control (CIC®), having successfully passed the initial certification exam and recertification every 5 years.
- Refer to IPAC Canada Core Competencies for Infection Control Professionals.
- Voir Les compétences de base des professionnels de la prévention et du contrôle des infections
Alternative terms, having met the same competencies, may include, but not limited to:
- Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner
- Infection Control Professional
- Infection Control Practitioner
- Infection Control Specialist
- Infection Control Consultant
- Infection Preventionist
Within Hospital and other Health Care Facilities, Infection Control Professionals are responsible for keeping abreast of all current infection control standards and practices. They must ensure that these practices are implemented and the standards maintained within their institutions. This is done by orientation and continuing education of health care workers, consultation, surveillance and coordination of results. Infection Control Professionals maintain a strong liaison with public health authorities.