Pathogen Patrol – February 2025
Planning for the Year Ahead: Elevating IPAC in Cosmetic Surgery Clinics
By: Lauren Lebre | BSc, MHSc
As we wrap up January and start fresh into the new year, it’s the perfect time to hit “refresh” on your clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) practices. It’s never too late to make New Year’s resolutions—especially when it comes to keeping your patients and staff safe.
In cosmetic surgery, where patients trust you with their health, IPAC is not just a compliance box to check; it’s the backbone of your clinic’s success. With the ever-present risk of infections, taking a proactive, forward-thinking approach to IPAC can make all the difference. This requires all encompassing aspects of a clinic like policies, procedures and practices.
Common Gaps in IPAC Practice
Even the best clinics can miss a few key details when it comes to IPAC, leaving room for potential risks. One of the biggest gaps? Inadequate sterilization practices. Whether it’s improperly sterilized surgical tools or cross- contamination between contaminated materials, these lapses could lead to infections that are harmful to patients and damaging to your clinic’s reputation.
Another challenge is the lack of ongoing training for staff. It is important to understand that IPAC practices evolve, and your team needs to stay on top of the latest guidance’s. After all, staying up-to-date means everyone, so staff know exactly what they should be doing to keep the clinic safe. Plus, not documenting policies and procedures properly could leave your clinic vulnerable to sterilization recalls and ministry inspections.
The Risks of Poor Practices
Neglecting IPAC can have serious consequences. Infections aren’t just a risk for your patients—but poor IPAC practices can lead to severe complications, extended recovery times, and reputational damage that could affect your clinic for years to come.
Proactive Steps to Protect Your Clinic
The good news is, there’s a lot you can do to improve and monitor your clinic’s IPAC practices. Start by implementing regular audits—check in on your sterilization processes, review protocols, and do a complete clinic assessment. This proactive approach not only ensures you’re complying with the latest guidelines, but it also gives your staff the confidence that they’re doing things the right way.
Ongoing education is also essential to ensure staff are up to date with any new IPAC guidelines. And foster a culture where everyone, regardless of their role, adheres to IPAC best practices.
Documentation of policies and procedures is also crucial. Keep detailed records of all your infection control protocols and regularly review them through a clinic assessment. This demonstrates that you’re taking all the right steps to prevent infections and maintain a safe clinic environment.
The Long-Term Perks of an IPAC Program
Strengthening your IPAC practices isn’t just about avoiding infections—it’s about building a safer, more efficient clinic where patients feel cared for and confident in your services. A strong IPAC program not only reduces the risk of infection but also improves overall patient outcomes, which means better reviews, more referrals, and happier clients.
So, as you start to make new year’s resolutions, remember that IPAC isn’t just a “one-time thing” but an ongoing commitment. By staying proactive and addressing common gaps—you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.
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