Core components for infection prevention and control programmes.
Assessment tools for IPC programmes.
Introduction
The WHO infection prevention and control (IPC) core components assessment tools (IPCAT) are based on the WHO document Core components for infection prevention and control programmes . They correspond to the 8 core components of IPC programmes which are essential to the strengthening of capacity for prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and preparing an efficient response to emergencies involving communicable diseases.
The IPC components of national and local (healthcare facility) level programmes should be aligned and consistent, but at the same time the respective roles of national and local programmes should be distinguished. A national IPC programme is intended to regulate, provide guidance, promote and supervise compliance with regulations, whereas at a local level care must be provided in a safe and efficient manner for patients, health-care workers and others. That is why two separate IPC assessment tools were developed: one for the national level (IPCAT-N) and another for the healthcare facility level (IPCAT-H).