Table 1 Core IPC components and WHO recommendations

1. IPC programmes

An IPC programme with a dedicated, trained team should be in place in each acute health care facility for the purpose of preventing HAI and combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through IPC good practices

2. IPC guidelines

Evidence-based guidelines should be developed and implemented for the purpose of reducing HAI and AMR. The education and training of relevant health care workers on the guideline recommendations and the monitoring of adherence with guideline recommendations should be undertaken to achieve successful implementation

3. IPC education and training

IPC education should be in place for all health care workers by utilizing team- and task-based strategies that are participatory and include bedside and simulation training to reduce the risk of HAI and AMR

4. Surveillance

Facility-based HAI surveillance should be performed to guide IPC interventions and detect outbreaks, including AMR surveillance with timely feedback of results to health care workers and stakeholders and through national networks

5. Multimodal strategies

IPC activities using multimodal strategies should be implemented to improve practices and reduce HAI and AMR

6. Monitoring/audit of IPC practices and feedback

Regular monitoring/audit and timely feedback of health care practices according to IPC standards should be performed to prevent and control HAI and AMR at the health care facility level. Feedback should be provided to all audited persons and relevant staff

7. Workload, staffing and bed occupancy

The following elements should be adhered to in order to reduce the risk of HAI and the spread of AMR: (1) bed occupancy should not exceed the standard capacity of the facility; (2) health care worker staffing levels should be adequately assigned according to patient workload

8. Built environment, materials and equipment for IPC at the facility level

Patient care activities should be undertaken in a clean and/or hygienic environment that facilitates practices related to the prevention and control of HAI, as well as AMR, including all elements around the water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and services and the availability of appropriate IPC materials and equipment. Materials and equipment to perform appropriate hand hygiene should be readily available at the point of care