Accreditation practice pointer: infection control process policy

GP4.1 B Our practice has a written, practice-specific policy that outlines our infection control processes.

RACGP Standards for general practice.

Strong infection prevention and control processes in general practice reduces infection travelling from patient to patient, or from patient to members of the practice team. 

General practice must maintain an up-to-date infection control policy, which contains the following:

  • the name of the team member/s responsible for infection control and sterilisation processes

  • the appropriate use and application of standard and transmission-based precautions

  • management of sharps injury

  • management of blood and body-substance spills

  • hand hygiene

  • environmental cleaning of clinical and nonclinical areas of the practice

  • use of aseptic and sterile procedures

  • procedures for reprocessing (sterilising) instruments (if relevant) onsite or offsite, ensuring there is documented evidence this reprocessing is monitored and has been validated

  • waste management, including the safe storage and disposal of clinical waste and sharps

  • where patients and the practice team can access PPE

  • how and when practice team members are educated on the appropriate application, removal, and disposal of PPE. 

This policy should be reviewed on an annual basis. General practice might also consult with the practice team when developing this policy and conduct regular audits to confirm compliance with the practice policy.

Margot Schoonmaker