Strengthening Infection Prevention and Control in Long-Term Care: Lessons from a Landmark Education Initiative

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is one of the most fundamental pillars of safe healthcare delivery — and nowhere is this more critical than in long-term residential care facilities (LTCFs), where residents are among the most vulnerable to healthcare-associated infections. In Ireland, it’s estimated that 4.4% of residents in LTCFs acquire infections during care (HPSC, 2017), many of which could be prevented with the right systems, training, and expertise in place.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought these challenges into sharp focus. It exposed the fragility of IPC practices and highlighted the devastating consequences when these systems are under pressure. At the height of the crisis, LTCFs faced a perfect storm: a highly transmissible virus, vulnerable populations, and a workforce under extraordinary strain.

In response to this urgent challenge, LHP Skillnet partnered with the School of Public Health at University College Cork (UCC) to co-design a targeted educational solution: a Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control, tailored specifically for nurses working in LTCFs.

Thanks to rapid funding support from Skillnet Ireland, this programme moved from concept to reality in record time — launching its first cohort in September 2020, just six months after the pandemic reached Ireland. This timely intervention ensured frontline staff had access to high-quality, context-specific IPC training when they needed it most.

We are proud to share the findings of our comprehensive evaluation report,
A Competency-Based Evaluation of a Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control (2020–2023): A Mixed-Methods Study.

This report examines the programme’s development, implementation, and outcomes, capturing valuable insights into how collaborative, needs-driven education can:

It demonstrates that when education providers, industry partners, and funders collaborate with urgency and purpose, the results can have a lasting impact — not only on the workforce but also on the health and safety of those in their care.

This achievement was only possible thanks to the dedication of learners, educators, member companies, and sector partners. Their shared commitment has created a lasting legacy for IPC education in Ireland’s long-term care sector.

We invite healthcare leaders, educators, and policymakers to explore the findings and recommendations in the report. Together, we can continue to advance infection prevention and control — and ensure that those living and working in LTCFs are protected by the highest standards of care.

Click on the button below to download the research report in PDF format.