STANDARD 9.
Infection Prevention and Control
Respiratory Therapists (RTs) must apply appropriate infection prevention and control measures to protect patients/clients, healthcare team members, and themselves according to provincial guidelines, regulatory requirements, and employer policies.
Performance Requirements
RTs:
Adhere to Routine Practices in all settings and apply Additional Precautions when required.
Adhere to all current, applicable practice guidelines and policies for infection prevention and control.
To the best of their knowledge, uses equipment that has been appropriately cleaned, disinfected, and/or sterilized.
Transport and dispose of supplies and equipment as per current infection prevention and control standards.
Patient / Client Expected Outcome
Patients/clients can expect that appropriate infection prevention and control measures are taken by RTs in the delivery of their care.
RELATED RESOURCES
- Canadian Patient Safety Institute. (2009). The Safety Competencies. Available at http://www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca/en/toolsResources/safetyCompetencies/Documents/Safety%20Competencies.pdf
- College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario. (2013). Bloodborne and Other Infectious Pathogens Position Statement. Available at http://www.crto.on.ca/pdf/Positions/bloodborne_pathogen.pdf
- College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario. (2016). Infection Prevention & Control. Clinical Best Practice Guideline. Available at: http://www.crto.on.ca/pdf/PPG/Infection_Control_CBPG.pdf
- Health Canada. (2015). Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Available at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/occup-travail/whmis-simdut/index-eng.php
- National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies. (2016). National Competency Framework for the Profession of Respiratory Therapy. Part 1. National Standards for Entry-to-Practice. Available at: http://www.csrt.com/2016-national-competency-framework/
- Ontario Government. (1990). Occupational Health and Safety Act. Available at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90o01
- Public Health Ontario. (2012). Best Practices for Infection Prevention and Control Practices in Ontario. Available at: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/eRepository/BP_IPAC_Ontario_HCSettings_2012.pdf
- Public Health Ontario. (2017). PIDAC Documents. Best Practice Documents. Available at: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/BrowseByTopic/InfectiousDiseases/PIDAC/Pages/PIDAC_Documents.aspx
GLOSSARY
Appropriate refers to in accordance with ethical, legal, technical and/or clinical requirements of professional practice.
Healthcare team refers to “peers, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals (regulated and non-regulated).”[1]
Patients/clients refer to individuals and their families requiring care or services. This may also include his/her substitute decision-maker or guardian.[2]
FOOTNOTES
- Health Excellence Canada What We Do (healthcareexcellence.ca)
- Health Excellence Canada What We Do (healthcareexcellence.ca)