Accreditation practice pointer: helping patients prevent the transmission of communicable diseases

GP4.1 E Our patients are informed about respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene, and precautionary techniques to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases.

RACGP Standards for general practice.

Infection control is particularly necessary in general practice. It is the responsibility of the practice to educate patients on how they can reduce the spread of infection. In fact, to meet Criterion GP4.1E, general practice must have a policy on infection control.  

General practice can ensure infection control by:

  • having hand washing facilities, hand sanitiser, tissues and rubbish bins available for team members and patients

  • providing brochures or posters at reception that explain respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene processes

  • displaying a sign in the waiting area advising patients who have a high-risk condition or deteriorating symptoms to tell reception staff members

  • maintaining a procedures manual on infection control

  • maintaining a cleaning policy

  • maintaining a cleaning log

  • discussing changes to laws and guidelines relating to infection control, local outbreaks and public health alerts at practice team meetings, and documenting these discussions. 

Margot Schoonmaker