Infection Prevention and Control

Become a Leader in Infection Prevention and Control Nursing with LIHS

Are you ready to take the next step in your healthcare career and become a specialist in infection prevention and control? The Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Nursing at LIHS equips you with the critical skills and knowledge to meet the ever-evolving challenges in healthcare. With healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) posing a serious threat to patient care, now is the time to lead change and make a real impact in the fight against infectious diseases.

This 8-week part-time program, fully accredited and delivered online, offers you the flexibility to study while continuing to work. Leading professionals in infection prevention and control lead the course, ensuring you learn from the very best in the field. Gain the expertise to manage and lead infection prevention programs and become the go-to professional in your organization.

Why Study IPC Nursing and Midwifery at LIHS?

At LIHS, we are committed to developing the future leaders of healthcare. Our mission is to provide a caring and innovative learning environment where nurses and midwives can grow into reflective practitioners who leverage research-based knowledge to improve patient care. Our focus is on competency-based education, ensuring that you can immediately apply what you learn to your workplace.

We offer outcome-focused curricula, shaped by innovative teaching practices and grounded in real-world applications. You’ll graduate from this program with the confidence to lead infection prevention efforts and to respond to leadership challenges with poise and professionalism.

What You Will Learn

This curriculum outline highlights the key competencies needed for effective Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program management and leadership in healthcare settings. Each component ensures that healthcare professionals are equipped to maintain the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and infection control to protect patients, staff, and communities. Below is a breakdown of the core elements covered:

• Evaluating IPC Programme Management and Leadership:  This section focuses on how to assess and lead infection prevention programs within healthcare settings. Participants will learn to evaluate current systems, identify gaps, and implement improvements. Understanding leadership principles specific to IPC allows professionals to guide teams effectively and ensure the implementation of best practices.
• IPC Core Components and Healthcare Built Environment: Participants will dive into the essential components of infection prevention, such as hand hygiene, sanitation, waste disposal, and patient care procedures. Additionally, the design and infrastructure of healthcare facilities, such as ventilation and layout, play a crucial role in preventing infections. This module will explore how the healthcare environment can be optimized for infection control.
•  Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions: This component covers standard precautions that apply to all patients, including hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the proper disposal of sharps. Transmission-based precautions go further, addressing specific infections, such as airborne, droplet, or contact-based diseases, to ensure the proper isolation and treatment of patients.
•  Preventing Infection Spread in Hospitals and Communities: Healthcare workers must be proficient in the principles that prevent infections from spreading both in hospitals and the wider community. This section includes topics on isolation procedures, disinfection protocols, patient screening, and public health education strategies aimed at minimizing the risk of infection transmission.
• Reviewing Infection Prevention Guidelines (National and International Standards):  Participants will review the latest IPC guidelines provided by institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Emphasis will be placed on tailoring these standards to specific healthcare environments while ensuring compliance with national regulations.
•  Administration and Management Systems in IPC: This module evaluates the administrative and managerial aspects of running effective infection control programs. Key topics include the integration of IPC into health system policies, strategic planning, resource allocation, and workforce management. It also covers the development of standard operating procedures and compliance monitoring systems.
• Investigating and Controlling Outbreaks: Infection outbreaks can occur suddenly and spread rapidly. This section teaches methods of outbreak investigation, including data collection, patient interviews, and identifying infection sources. Participants will learn to initiate rapid response measures to contain outbreaks and prevent further transmission.
•  Healthcare-Associated Infection Surveillance Methods: Surveillance is critical in detecting healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This module discusses surveillance tools and methods used to monitor infection rates, identify trends, and evaluate intervention outcomes. Participants will gain insight into both manual and automated surveillance systems.
• Decontamination and Reprocessing of Medical Devices: Healthcare professionals must understand proper decontamination processes to ensure that reusable medical devices do not become infection vectors. This section covers cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and quality control procedures for a range of equipment used in hospitals.
•  Catheter-Associated Infections Prevention: Catheter-associated infections, particularly bloodstream and urinary tract infections, are common in healthcare settings. This segment delves into the causes of these infections, prevention strategies, and catheter care protocols that minimize risk.
•  Surgical Site and Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia Infection Prevention: Surgical site infections (SSIs) and healthcare-associated pneumonia are critical areas of concern in hospitals. Participants will learn about SSI prevention, including sterile techniques, pre-surgical preparation, and postoperative care. Additionally, they will explore strategies for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia and maintaining respiratory hygiene.
• Outbreak Prevention and Management: Effective outbreak management requires a thorough understanding of preventive measures, patient isolation, and communication strategies. This module focuses on creating emergency response plans, coordinating teams, and ensuring rapid implementation of infection control measures during an outbreak.
•  IPC Education and Training: Healthcare professionals must stay updated on evolving IPC practices. This section emphasizes the role of continuous education, from onboarding new staff to offer ongoing training on advanced infection control measures. Training can include simulations, workshops, and case studies to build real-world skills. 
• Surgical Site Infection Control: Surgical patients are at a high risk of infection, making control of SSIs critical to hospital safety. Participants will explore factors that contribute to SSIs and best practices in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative infection prevention.
•  Quality, Patient Safety, and Occupational Health: This final section brings together quality improvement strategies, patient safety initiatives, and occupational health considerations in IPC. Participants will learn to assess risks, implement preventive measures, and promote a culture of safety for both patients and healthcare workers.

Course Structure

The Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control Nursing is an 8-week part-time course, designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.

• Online Learning: For the first 3 weeks, study on our e-learning platform from Monday to Friday.
• Workplace Experience: Spend 4 weeks applying your new skills in an approved workplace or field site.
• Final Week: Present your fieldwork, complete assessments, and receive your certificate of completion.

This structure allows you to balance learning with work, ensuring you can apply what you learn immediately in real-world settings.

Affordable and Flexible Learning

We understand the financial challenges of professional development, which is why we offer competitive fees for both Ugandan and international participants.

• Fees for Ugandan Participants: 540,000 UGX
• Fees for International Participants: $200 USD

You can pay in two instalments, making this program affordable and accessible. Additionally, our dedicated staff will guide you through the application and payment process, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience.