Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for auditing infection control practices in healthcare settings, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standards and best practices in infection prevention to enhance patient safety and care quality.

Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist
by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

Infection control is a critical aspect of healthcare delivery, directly impacting patient safety and overall quality of care. The Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist is an indispensable tool designed to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards and best practices in infection prevention. This comprehensive checklist addresses key areas such as hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, environmental cleaning, and sterilization procedures. By systematically evaluating these crucial elements, healthcare facilities can identify potential risks, implement corrective measures, and maintain a safe environment for patients and staff. Regular use of this checklist not only helps in reducing healthcare-associated infections but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement in infection control practices.

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Industry

Healthcare

Standard

ISO 9001 - Quality Management Systems

Workspaces

Healthcare Facility

Occupations

Infection Control Specialist
Quality Assurance Manager
Nurse Manager
Hospital Administrator
Environmental Services Supervisor

1
Is hand hygiene performed before and after patient contact?

Select the compliance status.

To ensure compliance with infection control practices.
2
Are personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines being followed?

Select the PPE status.

To verify that appropriate PPE is used for patient safety.
3
Describe the processes in place for environmental cleaning.

Provide a detailed description of cleaning practices.

To assess the effectiveness of cleaning protocols in preventing infections.
4
What is the last recorded sterilization temperature (in °C)?

Enter the sterilization temperature.

To ensure sterilization equipment is functioning within acceptable limits.
Min115
Target121
Max130
5
Has staff received infection control training within the last year?

Select if training has been completed.

To verify that all staff are trained in infection control procedures.
6
What is the frequency of infection control audits conducted?

Enter the frequency of audits.

To ensure regular audits are performed to maintain safety standards.
7
What is the current rate of healthcare-associated infections per 1,000 patient days?

Enter the infection rate.

To monitor infection rates and identify trends.
Min0
Target2
Max5
8
Are isolation protocols being followed for infectious patients?

Indicate if protocols are being followed.

To ensure proper measures are taken to prevent the spread of infections.
9
Are surgical site infection prevention protocols being followed?

Indicate if protocols are being followed.

To confirm adherence to protocols designed to reduce surgical site infections.
10
Is patient screening for infection performed for all admissions?

Select the screening compliance status.

To ensure that patients are screened effectively to prevent infection spread.
11
How many hours of infection control training have staff received in the past year?

Enter the total training hours.

To measure the training commitment towards infection control practices.
Min0
Target8
Max40
12
Describe the protocols in place for managing exposure incidents.

Provide a detailed description of post-exposure protocols.

To assess the preparedness and response for exposure-related incidents.
13
Is the facility actively participating in an antibiotic stewardship program?

Select the participation status.

To evaluate the commitment to responsible antibiotic use and infection prevention.
14
What is the current inventory count of infection control supplies?

Enter the total count of available supplies.

To ensure adequate supplies are available for infection prevention measures.
Min0
Target200
Max500
15
What methods are used to educate patients on infection prevention?

Describe the patient education methods.

To assess how patients are informed about infection prevention strategies.
16
When was the last update to the infection control policies?

Enter the date of the last policy update.

To ensure that infection control policies are current and relevant.

FAQs

Infection control audits should be conducted regularly, typically on a quarterly basis, with more frequent spot checks in high-risk areas. The frequency may be adjusted based on the facility's risk assessment and previous audit findings.

Infection control audits should be conducted by trained infection prevention and control professionals, often in collaboration with quality management teams and department heads to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

The checklist covers areas such as hand hygiene compliance, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), environmental cleaning and disinfection, sterilization processes, waste management, and adherence to isolation precautions.

The checklist aligns with ISO 9001 by focusing on process approach, risk-based thinking, and continuous improvement in infection control practices, which are key elements of the quality management system standard.

Yes, the checklist can and should be tailored to specific healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, or dental practices, while still maintaining core infection control principles and ISO 9001 compliance.

Benefits

Ensures compliance with ISO 9001 and infection control standards

Reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections

Improves patient safety and healthcare outcomes

Enhances staff awareness and adherence to infection control protocols

Facilitates continuous improvement in infection prevention practices