IPAC Canada Publications and Collaborations

Ethical Infection Prevention and Control (EIPAC) Decision-Making Framework (APIC and IPAC-Canada)

The EIPAC framework provides a step-by-step fair process for IPs/IPCs and/or other involved stakeholders to work through ethical issues that arise in IPC. The framework is designed specifically to address issues that will have substantive impacts on patients/residents, families, visitors, and staff. The framework can be used in both acute care settings and congregate living settings, such as nursing homes/long-term care homes and independent living facilities. This framework is not meant for clinical/ medical reasoning around investigation or treatment at the individual patient or resident level, but specifically for ethically complex IPC decisions.

---

Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Program Standard

The landmark 2013 Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Program Standard described the culture, scope, and foundational framework necessary for a successful IPAC Program, synthesizing Canadian and international guidance and then current scientific literature. Much has happened in the ten years that have followed, including novel and imported infectious diseases such as pandemic H1N1 influenza, and most notably the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. These organisms became healthcare-associated infections, transmitted within organizations as well as the larger community. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to grow, especially carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), and more recently, multidrug-resistant Candida auris in Canada. And yet, the standards in the 2013 document still stand the test of time!

The 2023-2024 reviewers realigned the Standards based on an adaptation of the World Health Organization (WHO) core components of infection prevention programs: guidelines, education and training, surveillance, and monitoring with audit and feedback, and incorporated the enabling environment of organizational support. The Standard describes an overarching organizational IPAC Program, not simply a team within it. Usefulness of the document has been enhanced by reducing duplication and increasing applicability across healthcare settings.

New Standards were added to address diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of organizational work-life, and to highlight the need for a standardized approach to ethical IPAC decision-making, in the wake of the pandemic’s detrimental effects on quality of life. In addition, the global impact of IPAC practices on healthcare, human, and planetary resources, with a responsibility for their stewardship through conservation, preservation, and effective policies is noted.

The implementation of IPAC Canada’s Program Standard will contribute to safe patient/resident/client care and IPAC practice in Canada – and beyond.

The Infection Prevention and Control Program Standard (December 2024).  

Supplement: Processes used by IPAC Canada to develop the IPAC Program Standard and IPAC Program Audit Tool (PAT©)  (Currently under revision)

NOTE: IPAC Canada members may download the IPAC Canada Program Audit Tool (PAT©) and auditing annex, Auditing the IPAC Program, to carry out audits of an organization's IPAC program against the IPAC Program Standard. Both documents are currently under revision.

A French translation of the Program Standard will be available in February 2025.  

---

Core Competencies for Infection Prevention and Control Professionals (ICPs)

Consensus document revised September 2022.

First developed in 2016, this document is an updated version of “IPAC Canada Core Competencies for Infection Control Professionals. This document lists IPAC Canada’s core competencies for Infection Prevention and Control Professionals (ICPs), which indicate the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities, that are required to practice safely and ethically as an ICP. The competency statements reflect expectations of a competent ICP; a competent ICP is one who can perform effectively in the roles and functions required by their position, within the team, organization, and with stakeholders. Specific competencies for novice and expert levels of ICP have not been defined. 

Contents:

Introduction to the Core Competencies 

Foundational Core Competencies................................. 4 

• Education 
• Microbiology 
• Routine Practices and Additional Precautions 
• Surveillance and Epidemiology 
• Research Utilization 

Applied Core Competencies.......................................... 8 

• Healthcare Facility Design, Construction, Renovations and Maintenance 
• Occupational Health and Safety 
• Outbreak and Infectious Disease Threats 
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety 
• Reprocessing of Medical Devices 

Supporting Core Competencies................................... 11 

• Communication 
• Leadership 
• Program Management 
• Professionalism 
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Core Competencies for ICPs (September 2022)

Les compétences de base des professionnels de la prévention et du contrôle des infections (septembre 2022)

 

---

WEBINAR: Core Competencies – New Consensus Documents 2022

Date: Thursday, November 17, 2022
Time:1030 PT, 1130 MT, 1230 CT/SK, 1330 ET, 1430 AT, 1500 NL
Duration: 1 Hour

THIS WEBINAR IS FOR IPAC CANADA MEMBERS ONLY.
Click here for more information.

---

Core Competencies for Health Care Providers (HCPs)

Infection Prevention and Control Core Competencies for Healthcare Providers: Updated Consensus Document June 2022

The purpose of the 2022 review was to update the 2016 core competencies to ensure they reflect current knowledge and skills that all Healthcare Providers (HCPs) need to possess to protect themselves and patients. In this document the term patient refers to all persons who receive or have requested healthcare or services and incorporates the terms ‘client’ or ‘resident’. The full content and competencies are contained in the document below. 

Foundational Competencies

• Chain of Infection
• Routine Practices
• Risk Assessment and Point of Care Risk Assessment
• Hand Hygiene
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection
• Handling of Waste and Linens
• Vaccination (Immunization)
• Blood and Body Fluids Exposure and Sharps Management
• Respiratory Hygiene
• Fitness for Work

 Applied Competencies

• Microbiological Concepts
• Surveillance and Outbreaks
• Additional Precautions
• Management of Healthcare Supplies and Equipment

Supporting Competencies

• Training and Accountability
• Advocacy
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

Core Competencies for Health Care Providers

Les compétences de base des fournisseurs de soins de santé en matière de prévention et de contrôle des infections : Document consensuel mis à jour en juin 2022