Welcome to the IPCAT MR Tool
Welcome to the WHO Global Survey using the Infection prevention and control assessment tool (IPCAT) – Minimum Requirements (MR) at the national level.
Introduction
This tool is to assess the WHO minimum requirements (which are derived from the WHO IPC core components for IPC programmes) for IPC programmes at the national level. Ideally, users should be familiar with the contents of both documents before using this tool.
Purpose of this tool
The IPCAT MR helps countries to determine the minimum requirements for each core component that is in place, and to identify those that need to be achieved. This tool is mostly based on selected indicators included in the WHO IPC assessment tool 2 (IPCAT2).
WHO’s interim practical manual to support implementation of the IPC core components at the national level outlines five steps for implementing IPC programmes to maximize the likelihood of success and overcome some of the complexity of the process. The IPCAT MR is a valuable tool to support Steps 2 and 4 of this process. Step 2 involves conducting a baseline assessment to establish an understanding of the current situation, including strengths and weaknesses, with a view to guiding action planning for improvement. Step 4 is concerned with evaluating the impact and assessing the effectiveness of the action plan. The manual, the core components guidelines and the minimum requirements document provide definitions and explanations that will assist with interpretation of the indicators included in this tool.
It is very important to understand that the IPCAT MR is not intended to be used as an audit tool. Its purpose is to help assess, plan, organize and implement a national IPC programme. The tool provides a general overview of the status of IPC activities according to the recommendations of the WHO IPC core components guidelines and the minimum requirements document, rather than focusing on specific IPC practices/risk factors related to individual patients. Most importantly, this tool should be used in a spirit of improvement: to identify areas that need to be tackled and to develop targeted plans to have at least the minimum requirements for IPC programmes in place at the national level.
Who should complete and use this tool?
The IPCAT MR focuses on the national IPC programme and specific minimum requirements according to the WHO core components, to ensure that national support and coordination for implementation and adoption of IPC minimum standards are in place. This assessment tool should be completed by the team or focal point responsible for organizing and implementing IPC activities at the national level.
How is the tool structured?
The IPCAT MR is structured according to the recommendations in the WHO minimum requirements for IPC programmes document. It is divided into six sections, reflecting the six WHO IPC core components and minimum requirements at the national level, covering a total of 25 indicators. These indicators are based on evidence and expert consensus, and have been framed as statements. As these are minimum requirements, the total score will be the sum of all “yes” responses for each core component, weighted for the number of indicators in each component.