Infection control experts to convene at IPAC Canada conference

Infection control experts from across the country will meet in Victoria from June 14-17 at the Victoria Conference Centre for educational workshops and conference.

Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada) brings together Infection Prevention and Control Professionals (ICPs), Medical Microbiologists, Epidemiologists, and Infectious Disease specialists from all provinces and territories, as well as international guests, involved in the prevention of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). It is estimated that over 200 000 patients a year develop infections as a result of their treatment and that over 12 000 will die as a result. Healthcare-acquired infections cost the Canadian healthcare system over 1 billion dollars annually

Ebola has been front and center in the world and has challenged all of us to examine our practices, and ensure we adhere to the basic principles in infection prevention and control (IPC). This conference will look at our past, present and future infection prevention and control issues, as well as those other countries are facing. Through a series of workshops we will explore the application of Lean strategies to IPC, improvements in environmental hygiene monitoring, hand hygiene compliance and communication (all half day sessions). A dynamic key note will explore the power of influence when delivering key message complimented by a session delving into how to use social media to promote IPC. Specialized sessions will be held for Long Term Care and Pre-Hospital Care Specialties. Focused lectures include sessions on mandatory Influenza vaccination, construction, Patient Engagement, Medical Device Reprocessing, Microbes in the Gut, Mental Health, and Outbreaks. A Post conference session coaches us on "Becoming an Independent Consultant" as well as a workshop delivered by APIC on preparing for your Certification in Infection Control (CIC).