General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

FolderUnderstanding and preventing

Prevention of infections in care: a collective responsibility

Preventing infections associated with care protects patients, professionals and visitors. This prevention is based on daily practices, means available at the point of care and an organization that detects and corrects deviations.

Topic updated:

Two health professionals examining a prevention procedure in a hospital corridor
AI-generated illustration, not evidence of a health event. A procedure becomes useful when teams have the equipment, time and training to apply it.

EssentialShort answer

To be retained

The starting points

The standard precautions apply to any care, regardless of the known diagnosis. Depending on the agent and the route of transmission, additional measures may be necessary. Prevention combines hand hygiene, safe gestures, cleaning, training and monitoring practices.

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01Reference

Installing the conditions of prevention

The effectiveness depends as much on the care system as on the individual gesture.

Programme identified

Responsibilities, procedures and resources are defined for each type of structure.

Accessible equipment

Hand hygiene products, equipment and appropriate containers must be available at the place of use.

Concrete training

The teams are exercising on the gestures and situations they actually encounter.

Regular return

Observations, incidents and indicators are used to correct obstacles, not just to measure variances.

02Reference

Standard precautions during treatment

They apply even before an infectious agent is identified.

Hand hygiene

Friction or washing is performed at the times indicated; gloves do not replace it.

Gestures and devices

Asepsy, injection safety and the prevention of injuries by stinging objects reduce exposure.

Adapted protection

The protection of eyes, face, body or hands depends on the risk of projection and the gesture.

Environment

The cleaning, treatment of reusable equipment and waste management are carried out in a validated manner.

03Reference

Complementary measures and reassessment

An additional measure responds to an identified or suspected risk of transmission.

Transmission channel

Contact, droplets or aerosols do not call the same combinations of measurements.

People's journey

The reception, location and movement of a patient are organised according to local situation.

Air and premises

The ventilation and characteristics of the parts are integrated into the analysis when they are relevant.

Duration and adaptation

The guidelines are re-evaluated with the diagnosis, current recommendations and clinical status.

LandPutting into context

Situations to be considered

Prevention in care combines systematic actions and precautions adapted to the situation.

Before a gesture of care

Identify intended contacts with the patient, biological fluids and the environment to apply standard precautions.

An invasive device is used

Limit exposure, respect aseptics and reassess the need for the device according to establishment protocols.

Transmission suspected

Report according to local circuit, document cases and apply additional precautions decided by the competent team.

QuestionsClarifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Do gloves replace hand friction?

No. They are chosen according to the care and removed at the right time; hygiene of the hands remains necessary according to the professional indications.

Is a complementary precaution a punishment for the patient?

No. It is intended to limit a specific transmission route and must be explained with respect and then reassessed.

Are standard precautions only for infected persons?

No. They apply to all care regardless of a known diagnosis.

Is more frequent cleaning enough?

No. Hand hygiene, aseptics, appropriate equipment and the organisation of care are also needed.

Institutional sources

External sources can evolve. Check their date and instructions for your territory.

PratiqueCheck before deciding

Précautions : des niveaux qui se complètent

Reading guidance and interpretation limits
Concept or situationWhat it describesPoint to watch
Précautions standardSocle de prévention pour tous les patients.Hand hygiene, equipment management and assessment of exposure during care.
Précautions complémentairesMesures adaptées à certaines transmissions.Définies par le service selon l’agent et la situation.
Protection du patient fragileMesures ajustées à une vulnérabilité particulière.Do not confuse protection from exposure with treatment of an infection.

Folder Illustrations

Images generated by artificial intelligence to put the subject in context.

Deux mains savonnées frottées l’une contre l’autre au lavabo. AI-generated illustration.
Friction of the hands — Two soaped hands rubbed one against the other in the sink.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. Scene generated by IA; an image does not describe all the steps of a washing.
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