FUNCTIONING OF INFECTION CONTROL COMMITTEE

*Dr.T.V.Rao MD
PURPOSE OF THE COMMITTEE
The main purpose, its main function is to prevent and control nosocomial infections. That is
accomplished in a variety of ways some of which include: surveillance of nosocomial infections,
product evaluation in particular the anti-septics and chemical used in the Hospitals , investigation of
infection outbreaks and infection including the reasons associated with surgical site infections ,
development of infection control procedures for all departments, staff and patient education,
medical waste management, etc.
How Does the Infection Control Committee Prevent and Control Infection?
Successful prevention and control of infection requires careful planning.

PLANNING 1 The Infection Control Committee is actively involved with the planning and
implementation of new procedures that pose a potential infection control risk. For example, it may
provide guidance for the set-up of a new operation theatres and remodelling of Operation theatres
an endoscopy lab or the implementation of a new procedure. Its role in the planning process is to
examine the proposal, identify potential areas of concern, and recommend a course of action that
provides the best method of infection control.

Infection Control Committee

Membership
Doctors
General physician
Infectious disease specialist
Surgeon
Clinical microbiologist
Infection control nurse
Representatives from other relevant departments
Laboratory
Housekeeping
Pharmacy and central supply
Administration
2 Sterilization and Disinfection practices. The committee also may provide input into the selection of
chemical infection agents used to manage the environment, such as detergents and disinfectants. It
may also provide input into the selection of equipment used to process instruments and accessories
in CSSD. The multidisciplinary composition of the committee makes it an ideal place to examine new
product and procedure proposals from several aspects.

3 MONITORING. The Infection Control Committee also monitors infectious processes within the
health care facility. They track nosocomial infections and incidents that have the potential to cause
infections. They review infection control statistics from the facility in an effort to minimize risk,
identify problem areas, and implement corrective actions. When infections do occur, the committee
undertakes epidemiological investigations to determine the cause of the problem and recommends
the necessary education or changes in protocols.

4 EDUCATION: Finally, as an integral part of its leadership, the committee must take an active role
in staff education. It involves regular orientation on safe procedures which can reduce infections
that role may be a hands-on approach or it may be an advisory role in partnership with the facility's
education department. However it functions, the committee must set direction for staff education
and validation of that education. The education process should address at least two specific areas.
The first area should be that of general infection control education. This is usually accomplished
through an annual education program designed for all employees. This program is designed to
provide the groundwork for general infection control protocols, which create a safe environment for
both patients and employees. Information such as standard blood borne pathogen education, etc. is
covered in these programs.

5 CREATING STANDARD OPERATION PROCEDURES Standardize infection control procedures

throughout the facility so that the same level of care is provided in all departments. This
standardization helps to control and maintain the facility's environment and ensures that patients
receive the same level of infection control in all areas. For example, the Infection Control Committee
may take steps to ensure that the standard for instruments used in invasive procedures performed
outside of the OR is the same as invasive procedures performed within the OR

6 Along with providing or recommending formal educational opportunities, the Infection

Control Committee communicates with employees through the use of procedures. The committee is
responsible to maintain written infection control procedures, which should be available to all
employees. The committee also provides guidance for the prevention of incidents through other
established informational channels within the facility. When problems arise, the committee will
provide specific direction to a department or departments that details corrective actions that are
deemed necessary. The committee will meet regularly, and its meeting minutes should be available
upon request.

7 TO MAKE THE PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL. The purpose of the Infection Control Committee is
simple: to prevent and control infection. Achieving that goal requires the skills and input of the many
health care disciplines that serve on the committee and the cooperation of all employees. The
Infection Control Committee is designed to provide clear direction to help everyone create and
maintain a safe environment.

8 AUDITING The Department of Microbiology will Audit and present the Incidence and
Prevalence of Multi drug resistant strains in the Hospital the effective measures will be suggested
with conscience of the Coordinating committee

9 INFECTION CONTROL NURSE - The role of the Infection control Nurse has unlimited potential to
make the program a great success with continuous vigilance on matters related to infection and
active role I educating the paramedical staff on safe practices

10 Standard Operating procedures The respective departments will create and implement
standard operative guidelines as recommended by WHO and CDC and National Institute of health
(NIH) or any other suggested

11 Maintaining of Registry on Needle Stick injuries, outbreaks of infection and

Implementation of Universal Health precautions.
Ref Adopted from 1 Infection Control Committee by Farrah Lee, BSN, and Natalie Lind, ACE
2 WHO, and US AID guidelines on Safe hospital practices
A Primary Draft for implementation at Hospitals
I wish to welcome any suggestions for improving the quality of services
*Dr.T.V.Rao MD Professor of Microbiology, Convener Infection Control committee, Travancore
Medical College Kollam India