Infection prevention and control in general practice: Care Quality Commission requirements

Infection prevention is a crucial consideration for all healthcare professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased focus on infection control among the public and in the media, but much of this focused on hospital settings and care homes, rather than general practice. Yet, all nurses have a responsibility to uphold infection prevention and control standards, and there are specific tools and guidance available to general practice. This article outlines key considerations for infection prevention and control in primary care, as set out by the Care Quality Commission, including policy, training, cleaning and auditing. Use of personal protective equipment and prevention of vaccine-avoidable diseases are also discussed, alongside additional considerations, including waste management and cold chain preservation. Practice nurses must be aware of, and trained in, their responsibilities for infection prevention to ensure that care is delivered safely and risks to staff and patients are minimised.