What is the purpose of an annual infection control risk assessment?

The purpose of an annual infection control risk assessment is to identify potential infection risks within a healthcare setting. This assessment allows healthcare facilities to systematically evaluate their practices, systems, and environment to determine areas where infections could be transmitted to patients, visitors, or staff. By identifying these risks, facilities can implement targeted interventions, enhance protocols, and allocate resources more effectively to mitigate those risks and improve overall patient safety.

This proactive approach is vital in infection control as it helps inform policies and training that ultimately aim to reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections. Monitoring and improving these practices are key components in the broader strategy of maintaining a safe healthcare environment.