This level 2 CSTF infection prevention and control e-learning course is essential for all healthcare staff involved in direct patient care or services, including those working in hospital and community settings. It is specifically designed for those looking to deepen their knowledge and practices in infection prevention and control beyond the fundamental level.

The level 2 CSTF infection prevention and control online course covers the following:

Legislative framework

• This section examines the current laws and regulations that underpin infection control practices, ensuring healthcare professionals are up-to-date with their legal responsibilities.

Pathogen management

• This is a detailed exploration of various disease-causing microorganisms, focusing on their characteristics, lifecycle, and the importance of effective management strategies.

• Analysing the chain of infection to identify critical points where interventions can break the cycle, with strategies tailored to healthcare settings.

Cleaning and disinfection 

• This section examines cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation techniques, including best practices for ensuring high standards of hygiene and safety.

Risk assessment

• Development of targeted risk assessment strategies for identifying and managing potential infection risks in healthcare settings.

Management of alert organisms

• This section provides insight into the identification, implications, and management of key alert organisms such as MRSA, E. coli, and C. difficile, including case studies and response strategies.

Antimicrobial stewardship

• Understanding the critical role of antimicrobial stewardship in preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections, focusing on responsible use of antibiotics to combat resistance.

*This course meets the requirements of the UK CSTF, CQC, and Care Inspectorates, adhering to health and social care regulations throughout the UK. It equips participants with the skills needed to support infection prevention and control in healthcare actively, maintaining the UK's high standards of care.

The aims of this level 2 CSTF infection prevention and control eLearning course are:

• Advanced infection prevention knowledge

• To deepen healthcare staff's understanding and skills in infection prevention and control, enabling them to implement advanced strategies and practices that safeguard patient health and maintain the integrity of care environments.

• Empower with knowledge and responsibility

• To educate healthcare professionals about the advanced aspects of infection control, including the management of pathogens and alert organisms, and to clarify their legal and ethical responsibilities within the framework of UK health regulations and standards.

*These aims focus on enhancing the expertise and responsibilities of healthcare professionals in managing infection risks, ensuring they can contribute effectively to preventing and controlling infections in hospital and community settings, which is in line with the set standards.

The objectives of this level 2 CSTF infection prevention and control training course are to:

• Understand infection control legislation and guidelines

• Gain comprehensive knowledge of the laws and regulations specific to infection prevention and control, such as the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Code of Practice for Health and Adult Social Care on the Prevention and Control of Infections and Related Guidance) and the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, ensuring healthcare professionals are fully aware of their legal and regulatory responsibilities.

• Pathogen management

• Learn about various pathogens, their lifecycles, their characteristics, and the importance of managing these effectively to prevent and control infections in healthcare settings.

• Interrupt the chain of infection

• Identify the stages of the chain of infection and learn strategies to interrupt this chain at critical points, applying specific interventions tailored to healthcare environments.

• Master cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation techniques

• Understand and apply the principles of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation to maintain high standards of hygiene and safety, including the correct use of disinfectants and sterilants as per national guidelines.

• Risk assessment development

• Develop skills to perform targeted risk assessments to identify and manage potential infection risks within healthcare environments following the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002.

• Management of alert organisms

• Obtain insights into the identification, implications, and management strategies for vital alert organisms like MRSA, E. coli, and C. difficile, enhancing your ability to respond effectively to these challenges.

• Antimicrobial stewardship comprehension

• Emphasise the significance of antimicrobial stewardship in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), focusing on the judicious use of antimicrobials to fight resistance and protect public health.

On completion of this CSTF infection prevention and control (level 2) e-learning course, the learner will be able to:

• Know how individuals can contribute to infection prevention and control.
• Know of and demonstrate the standard infection prevention and control precautions relevant to their role, which may include:
• Hand hygiene
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Management of blood and body fluid spillage
• Management of occupational exposure (including sharps)
• Management of the environment
• Management of care equipment.
• Recognise and act when their personal fitness to work may pose a risk of infection to others.
• Describe a healthcare organisation’s and their own responsibilities in terms of current infection prevention and control legislation.
• Obtain information about infection prevention and control within the organisation.
• Understand what is meant by the term healthcare-associated infections.
• Understand the chain of infection and how this informs infection prevention and control practice.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the routes of transmission of micro-organisms.
• Understand individual roles and responsibilities for the three levels of decontamination.
• Use single-use items appropriately.
• Conduct a risk assessment concerning ensuring infection prevention and control.
• Explain different alert organisms and conditions that pose an infection risk.
• Describe how to manage patients with specific alert microorganisms safely.

This CSTF infection prevention and control online course has been externally peer-reviewed and accredited by the CPD Certification Service. It adheres to HSE guidelines and CSTF standards. It meets the criteria set by NHS procurement frameworks like Health Trust Europe (HTE), Crown Commercial Services (CCS), and the NHS Collaborative Procurement Partnership (CPP), ensuring it meets current legislation and healthcare training requirements.

Successful completion will award participants with a CPD certificate valid for one year, meeting the requirements of the HTE, CCS, and the NHS CPP frameworks.

This online CSTF infection prevention and control (healthcare) level 2 course is vital for enhancing healthcare quality and patient safety. Aimed at healthcare professionals involved in direct patient care, it offers in-depth knowledge on managing pathogens, breaking the infection chain, and employing advanced disinfection techniques.

By aligning with NHS, HTE, CCS, CPP, and UK CSTF guidelines, this training ensures participants are well-versed in legal responsibilities, pathogen management, and antimicrobial stewardship, crucial for combating healthcare-associated infections and promoting antimicrobial resistance. It's essential for upholding high standards in healthcare settings and ensuring compliance with UK health regulations.

CSTF Infection Prevention and Control (Healthcare) - Level 2 | ComplyPlus LMS™ | The Mandatory Training Group UK -