As in the dental practice, infection prevention and control measures are particularly important when undertaking domiciliary visits. However, there can be specific difficulties (e.g. the need to transport used instruments, suitable hand hygiene facilities).
Transport all equipment, instruments and PPE securely to and from the practice in a manner that avoids contamination or damage.
Ensure hand hygiene products are available for use during the visit. Hand hygiene products (wash or rub) should meet the obligatory and additional BS EN standards.
- Hand rub can be alcohol-based or non-alcohol based as long as the product meets the required BS EN standards. These standards are listed in the NIPCM Hand Hygiene Literature Review [1].
- If products do not meet the required standards, then you must complete a risk assessment to ensure safe systems of work are adopted.
Where possible, use single use items that can be deposited in the appropriate waste containers on site and securely transport back to the practice for disposal.
Where reusable items have been used or unwrapped during the visit, transport the instruments back to the practice in a designated secure container marked ‘USED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT' for decontamination.