CDI infection control advice
Health Boards should ensure that when a patient has CDI patients and relatives are given clear and proper advice on the necessary infection control precautions.
- The Scottish Government's response highlighted initiatives promoting person-centred care, including the 'What Matters to You?' approach which emphasises ensuring patients and families have sufficient knowledge about their health conditions and care.
- The Health and Social Care Standards (published June 2017, in use from April 2018) include Standard 1: 'I experience high quality care and support that is right for me' and Standard 2: 'I am fully involved in all decisions about my care and support,' which require that patients and relatives are given clear advice on necessary infection control precautions (Health and Social Care Standards (https://www.gov.scot/publications/health-social-care-standards-support-life/)).
- The Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities (revised June 2022) sets out patients' right to information about their condition, treatment options, and care, including information about risks and infections.
- The NIPCM includes guidance on patient and family communication regarding healthcare-associated infections, supporting staff in providing clear, accurate information (National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for Scotland (https://www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk/about-the-manual/)).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 4.2 of the Scottish Government's response highlights initiatives to improve patient and family communication. The Person-centred Health and Care Collaborative's "Must Do with Me" elements include ensuring patients receive the information they need, which would cover infection control precautions. Additionally, Section 2.1 notes the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 supports patients to be more involved in their health and healthcare, implying a right to clear advice.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Duty of Candour and Patient Rights Charter strengthened requirements for clear patient and family communication. IPC Standards (2022) Standard 3 covers Communication Systems for IPC across health and social care settings.
View detailed findings
HIS IPC Standard 3 requires effective communication about IPC with patients, families, and between staff at all levels.