What are the challenges faced by IPC professionals in residential care settings during global infectious disease outbreaks?

During global infectious disease outbreaks, IPC (Infection Prevention and Control) professionals in residential care settings face a range of challenges. Firstly, ensuring effective communication and education becomes crucial as they need to keep the staff, residents, and their families informed about the nature of the outbreak, preventive measures, and any changes in protocols. Limited resources and increased demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) pose another challenge, as these professionals must prioritize allocation while ensuring adequate supply for staff and residents. Maintaining adequate staffing levels becomes crucial, as timely and effective response relies heavily on well-trained and available personnel. Additionally, enforcing infection control practices can be challenging due to staff turnover, resident noncompliance, or limited understanding of infection control principles. Lastly, managing higher levels of resident anxiety and fear during an outbreak and addressing misinformation may require additional support and psychological resources. Overall, IPC professionals in residential care settings must navigate these challenges to effectively prevent and control infectious diseases during global outbreaks.

This mind map was published on 19 September 2023 and has been viewed 62 times.