Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Programme
Certification Course • CME Event
Overview
An effective Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programme is grounded in scientific evidence, is objectives-driven, data-driven, and subject to ongoing monitoring and evaluation with the goal of preventing infections, mitigating the impact on health and healthcare costs when infections do occur, and ultimately improving patient safety and satisfaction with care. The Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has been providing leadership in this regard for the international community of IPC professionals.
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There have been significant advances in the IPC field in terms of scientific research, and evidence-based practice. Ongoing evaluation of the practice, training methodologies, and gaps in healthcare have resulted in agreed standards, benchmarks, and description of the competencies required by healthcare professionals to meet the changing needs of healthcare. Antimicrobial resistance, the threat of pandemics from emerging and re-emerging pathogens, effects of climate change on vectors of infectious diseases, increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases that increase vulnerability to infectious agents, and the negative impact of healthcare associated infections on healthcare costs and patient safety are some of the issues that have shaped the current priorities for the IPC profession.
Central line associated bloodstream infections, catheter associated urinary tract infections, ventilator associated pneumonia, surgical site infections and Clostridium difficile infections are major healthcare associated infections (HAIs) for which IPC professionals and IPC programmes must be prepared in terms of strategic IPC programmes, prevention, surveillance and interventions to mitigate their impact.
IPC Certification Coaching
Certification in IPC is an objective, independent approach towards ensuring IPC professionals are prepared for the various IPC tasks and are better empowered to provide leadership for their peers and organisations. One such certification programme is the Certification in Infection Control (CIC) examination administered by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), Inc., based in the USA.
This three-month coaching programme offered by Para Caribe and the Infection Control Consultants of New Mexico (ICCNM) is aimed at assisting IPC professionals in preparing for the CIC computer-based examination. The CIC exam covers a broad array of topics relevant to the day-to-day practice of IPC professionals. The programme is delivered through live weekly didactic presentations, complemented by one-on-one coaching by CIC-credentialed IPC professionals to assess individual candidates’ learning needs and come up with individually tailored strategies.
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There have been significant advances in the IPC field in terms of scientific research, and evidence-based practice. Ongoing evaluation of the practice, training methodologies, and gaps in healthcare have resulted in agreed standards, benchmarks, and description of the competencies required by healthcare professionals to meet the changing needs of healthcare. Antimicrobial resistance, the threat of pandemics from emerging and re-emerging pathogens, effects of climate change on vectors of infectious diseases, increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases that increase vulnerability to infectious agents, and the negative impact of healthcare associated infections on healthcare costs and patient safety are some of the issues that have shaped the current priorities for the IPC profession.
Central line associated bloodstream infections, catheter associated urinary tract infections, ventilator associated pneumonia, surgical site infections and Clostridium difficile infections are major healthcare associated infections (HAIs) for which IPC professionals and IPC programmes must be prepared in terms of strategic IPC programmes, prevention, surveillance and interventions to mitigate their impact.
Who should attend?
The programme is suited for IPC professionals who have about two or more years’ of experience in IPC, and for whom IPC constitutes majority or all of their job roles. IPC practitioners who are expected to provide leadership and guidance in IPC to peers and organisations would benefit from exposure to the structure and evidence-base of IPC that this exam emphasises.
When is the next corhort?
Persons who are interested in doing this course are welcome to apply. The application process involves an interview by our faculty to ensure that candidates appreciate the timing implications, and have an appreciation of the time requirements and mindset for adequate preparation before enlisting in this course. The next cohort is expected to begin July/August 2024. Application deadline for this cohort is June 30, 2024.
Additional Resources
- Subscribe to the online reference textbook by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). Learn more about the APIC Online Text at https://apic.org/resources/apic-text/
- Dedicate significant hours to reading the reference text and related resources (references, study guides),
- Become a member of APIC or similar professional association in order to access additional resources and opportunities for networking with IPC professionals from around the world. Learn more about APIC Membership at https://apic.org/member-services/about-membership/
- Form study groups,
Make individual arrangements to apply for and sit the computer-based exam through Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), Inc. Learn more about the CIC examination process at https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Get-Certified.htm
Institutional Support for IPC
Our team of highly qualified, experienced IPC professionals who have worked in several parts of the world are ready to be deployed to assist your organisation in developing an evidence-based, data-driven IPC programme.
Please contact us to schedule an information call.
Details
Beginner
3 Months
Updated: 5/12/2024
Prerequisites
Our Instructors
Ms. Nicola Ewen
MPH, CIC
Dr. Kerry Flinty
PhD, MSN, RN, CIC
Ms. Barbara Mooney
BSMB,MSMT (ASCP), LTC
Dr. Yohann White
MBBS, PhD, DTM&H, CIC