What is the purpose of an infection control risk assessment?

The purpose of an infection control risk assessment is to identify potential infection risks and implement measures to mitigate those risks. This assessment is a critical component of infection prevention and control programs, as it allows facilities to proactively identify areas where infections might arise and to devise strategies to reduce these risks. By analyzing the specific environment, practices, and patient populations, infection preventionists can tailor their interventions to address the specific threats present in a facility. This focused approach helps in prioritizing resources and efforts to where they are most needed, ultimately enhancing patient and staff safety.

While other elements such as tracking patient health outcomes or assessing staff performance may contribute to the overall infection prevention strategy, they do not specifically address the primary aim of risk assessment, which is to foresee and mitigate infection hazards. Determining the overall health of a facility doesn’t directly address the specific risks related to infections, which is the core focus of a risk assessment.