Title : IPC capacity building- Orientation training for COVID-19 preparedness and IPC for healthcare facilities
Abstract:
Introduction: Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is crucial in healthcare settings, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to enhance IPC practices across various healthcare facilities in Kerala, India, marking the first multicenter initiative of its kind in the state. Training and capacity building are especially important in secondary care hospitals with limited resources, where effective IPC measures can significantly reduce the risk of infections.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted over one year (January 2022 - December 2022) across nine healthcare facilities, including one government and eight private hospitals. The project, mentored by the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, involved creating IPC advocacy, identifying key trainers, and developing training materials. Baseline assessments and knowledge evaluations were conducted using standardized tools.
Results: A total of 330 healthcare professionals participated in the training, demonstrating significant improvements in IPC knowledge, with all hospitals showing over 75% improvement in post-training assessments. The IPCAF tool revealed varied IPC levels across hospitals, with scores ranging from Basic to Advanced. Feedback from participants highlighted a positive reception of the training sessions, with many expressing the desire for ongoing IPC education.
Conclusion: This study successfully strengthened IPC capacities in Kochi, Kerala’s healthcare facilities, especially in resource-limited secondary care hospitals, showcasing the effectiveness of structured training programs. The results emphasize the importance of continuous IPC education and the need for further initiatives to sustain improvements in healthcare quality.
