How IPAC Consulting Can Help You Despite availability to IPAC Hubs

Ontario Health has identified organizations including hospitals, public health units and others from across the province to lead local IPAC Hubs. These organizations will work with partners from across the local health system who have IPAC expertise to ensure that this specialized guidance and support is available to congregate living settings though a one-window model. Local public health and Public Health Ontario (PHO) are key partners in each local IPAC Hub. Working in coordination with the IPAC Hub, public health partners will support the provision of IPAC knowledge, training, and expertise, building on existing local partnerships. In addition to contributing to IPAC Hubs as experts, the local public health unit retains the responsibility to oversee the management of outbreaks. Local public health units also have a key linkage to Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development (MLTSD), but does not replace the duties employers of congregate living organizations have to notify the MLTSD as required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1990 and other relevant requirements.

So, why use IPAC Consulting despite the availability of all these IPAC Hubs? Well first off, our product offerings are more comprehensive and can be tailored to fit your home’s needs specifically. We work directly with the leads to manage outbreaks and help with on the spot, live education in every department with all staff members…..this is something that your local IPAC Hub will NOT take part in and what’s better than capturing the problem and resolving it right away? THAT’S THE BEST IT GETS!

At IPAC Consulting, we work directly with your staff to stop bad behaviour and reinforce IPAC practices during any time of day. We also have a new Train the Trainer Program that has been immensely successful in providing the proper training and guidelines to establish IPAC fundamentals with every home lead regardless of their existing level of expertise. Learning is ongoing and we love to expand your knowledge base and keep growing together.

We also have a program called What is Train the Trainer. The Train the Trainer provides a successful approach to equip employees and subject matter experts with new knowledge on how to teach others and how to foster an environment where everybody feels welcome to improve their skills and knowledge base. Thus, our train-the-trainer program provides instruction, coaching, and feedback to prepare those who deliver training and education in long-term care facilities, including full-time trainers, supervisors, and managers, the knowledge needed to facilitate quality employee development. Training the trainer provides individuals with not only basic knowledge skills but practical learning, confidence and, critical thinking skills to facilitate learning and ensure retention.

What to expect?

We have created a unit agenda to show the essential topics that one of our consultants will be presenting and engaging the trainers in. The modules will provide the IPAC Lead with the principles of infection prevention and control, outbreak investigation and management, and surveillance techniques as well as other topics pertinent to long-term care infection control.

The case topics include (but are not limited to): Isolation and barrier precautions, surveillance of nosocomial infections, infection control precautions, outbreak investigation, antibiotic resistance, common communicable diseases (e.g. tuberculosis, influenza), as well as the unique perspectives of long-term care.

• Unit 1: Introduction to the Course and Understand of infection Control Structures
• Unit 2: Introduction to Microbiology and Disease Process
• Unit 3: Surveillance and Epidemiological Investigation
• Unit 4: Outbreak Management
• Unit 5: Case Studies

What’s the benefit?

The main goal of the Train the Trainer model is to prepare instructors to present information effectively, respond to participant questions, and lead activities that reinforce learning. Other goals include ensuring that trainers can: direct participants to supplementary resources and reference materials. lead discussions, listen effectively, make accurate observations, help participants link the training to their jobs. A Train the Trainer workshop can build a pool of competent instructors who can then teach accurate and high-quality material to their staff.

So, regardless of all other initiatives that are targeted at Infection Prevention and Control. There is always a benefit to having additional eyes, additional knowledge and additional support right when you need it.