IDGP - Infection Control

Infection Control

Infection control in general practice is an essential component to providing a safe environment for both patients and staff.

The RACGP Infection Control Standards for Office Based Practices, 4th edition 2006 have been written specifically for general practices and other health professionals in office based settings.

These guidelines are aligned with the RACGP Standards for General Practice 3rd edition – Criterion 5.3.4 Infection Control.

The RACGP Infection Control Standards for Office Based Practices, 4th edition contains the following:

Section 1 Infection Control Principles: requirements for staff education, basic microbiology, principles of hand hygiene, the appropriate use of standard and additional precautions and personal protective equipment.
Section 2 Protecting the health of staff: staff immunisation, managing the health of health professionals and staff, safe sharps management and management of blood and body fluid exposure.
Section 3 Manage the practice physical environment: occupational health and safety or staff, cleaning of the practice, cleaning practice equipment, managing blood and body spills, linen and waste management.
Section 4 Processing of reusable equipment: off site sterilisation, monitoring and documentation, validation and single use items.
Section 5 Disease surveillance in office based practice: reporting requirements, and reception and triage in relation to potential or actual infectious diseases.

These guidelines are currently not available online and can be purchased from the RACGP Publications Department on 03 8699 0495, or by downloading the order form and faxing back to 03 8699 0400.

The cost is $88 for RACGP members and $132 for non-members.