The IPC Assessment Framework is a structured evaluation tool that allows Georgian healthcare facilities to assess their IPC programme against WHO’s eight core components[1][2] — identifying gaps, tracking progress and prioritising improvement actions. It is the recommended tool for facility-level IPC programme review and is used in Georgian accreditation assessments.
The WHO eight IPC core components
| # | Core component | What it covers | Key assessment indicators |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IPC programme | Dedicated IPC team, resources and accountability | IPC focal person designated; IPC committee meeting ≥4x/year; IPC budget allocated |
| 2 | IPC guidelines | Evidence-based facility IPC policies and procedures | National guidelines adopted and adapted; SOPs available at point of care; reviewed within 3 years |
| 3 | IPC education and training | All staff trained; competency assessed | 100% of new staff trained at induction; annual refresher; records maintained |
| 4 | HAI surveillance | Active monitoring of HAI rates with feedback | At least one HAI type under continuous surveillance; quarterly data feedback to clinical teams |
| 5 | Multimodal improvement strategies | Bundled interventions combining ≥3 elements | Bundle approach adopted for at least 2 HAI prevention targets; compliance monitoring in place |
| 6 | Monitoring, audit and feedback | Regular IPC practice audits with data-driven feedback | Hand hygiene compliance audited ≥200 observations/ward/quarter; results shared within 2 weeks |
| 7 | Workload, staffing and bed occupancy | Adequate staffing to support safe IPC practice | Nurse-to-patient ratios meet national minimums; bed occupancy does not routinely exceed 85% |
| 8 | Built environment and equipment | Physical infrastructure supports IPC | Hand hygiene stations at point of care; isolation rooms with negative pressure; adequate ventilation |
How to use this framework
Each core component is assessed using a four-level scoring scale: Inadequate (0) — Basic (1) — Intermediate (2) — Advanced (3). A total score below 12 (out of 24) indicates a facility at basic or inadequate IPC level requiring immediate improvement. Scores of 12–18 indicate intermediate level; above 18 indicates advanced. PHIG recommends facilities conduct a self-assessment annually[2] and an externally facilitated assessment every three years. The framework is a required component of PHIG accreditation pre-assessment visits.
Georgian original source / ქართული წყარო
IPC Assessment Framework — WHO IPCAF
References
- [1] WHO. Guidelines on Core Components of Infection Prevention and Control Programmes at the National and Acute Health Care Facility Level. World Health Organization. 2016;—:—. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549929
- [2] WHO. Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework at the Facility Level (IPCAF). World Health Organization. 2018;—:—. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-HIS-SDS-2018.9
- [3] Tomczyk S, Twyman A, de Kraker MEA, et al. The first WHO global survey on infection prevention and control in health-care facilities. Lancet Infect Dis. 2022;22(6):845–856. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(21)00809-4
- [4] Ministry of IDPs, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia. Order N01-268/o on the National IPC Programme. MoLHSA Georgia / Matsne. 2016;—:—. Available at: https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/3293056
Published by the Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG) · IPC Resources Library · Contact PHIG
In plain language
The IPC assessment framework helps a facility score its infection prevention programme against WHO core components — programme, guidelines, training, surveillance, multimodal strategies, monitoring, workload and environment — and plan improvements.
Key actions checklist
- Complete the assessment with the IPC team and management
- Score each core component honestly
- Identify the weakest components
- Agree an improvement plan with deadlines
- Repeat the assessment at least yearly
International guidance
- WHO Infection prevention and control assessment framework at the facility level (IPCAF)
- WHO Guidelines on core components of IPC programmes (2016)
Questions and answers
Is the result an accreditation?
No. It is a self-assessment tool; accreditation is an external evaluation. See Accreditation in Georgia.
Who should lead it?
The IPC focal person and committee required by Order N268.