From Recurring IPAC Problems to Sustainable System Improvement

Investigate why IPAC problems keep recurring. Learn to gather and verify evidence, examine contributing system factors, and choose corrective actions that address the causes of the problem.

Included in the IPAC Lead Leadership Program for Long-Term Care.

Course Description

When the same IPAC concern returns despite previous interventions, another reminder may leave the underlying problem untouched. A structured investigation helps you understand how work is actually done and what conditions contribute to the gap.

This course guides you from immediate risk considerations and a clear problem statement through evidence collection, analysis, corrective action, and evaluation. You will explore observations, interviews, records, and data alongside process mapping and causal analysis tools. The emphasis is on testing assumptions, acknowledging uncertainty, selecting stronger system changes, and measuring whether those changes are implemented and effective.


Prerequisites / required prior knowledge

Current and emerging IPAC Leads and designated backups with program responsibilities in long-term care.

Recommended prior knowledge: No formal prerequisite is required. Familiarity with long-term care operations, Routine Practices, Additional Precautions, surveillance, outbreaks, audits, and program documentation is recommended. This course develops leadership skills and does not replace foundational IPAC education.


Delivery

Online
Self‑paced(Asynchronous)

Credit

2 IPU
2.0 continuing education hour (Self‑Instruction)

Certificate

Individual certificate of completion

Access

On demand for one year from program enrolment
Meet the instructor

Kamyab Ghatan

MD, AL-CIP™, CIC®, LTC-CIP®, DISIPC, CDICP
Dr. Kamyab Ghatan is a medical doctor and infection prevention leader who develops practical, standards-based training for diverse environments, including acute and long-term care, ambulatory and dental clinics, veterinary practices, and construction/renovation settings. His work spans infection prevention, surveillance, water management, sterile processing, and implementation science, with a focus on translating standards into workflows teams can actually use. Dr. Ghatan is the founder of the International College of Infection Control Professionals (ICICP).

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Triage a recurring concern, address immediate risks, and define a neutral, measurable problem statement and investigation scope.

  • Collect and triangulate evidence from multiple sources while identifying limitations and unresolved uncertainty.

  • Analyze contributing system factors using process mapping and appropriate causal analysis tools, including the Five Whys for a simple, verified branch.

  • Develop corrective actions that address identified causes, strengthen systems, and reduce recurrence.

  • Evaluate implementation and effectiveness using process and outcome measures to guide further improvement.

Completion requirements:

To earn your individual course certificate:
  • View all required course content.
  • Pass the course posttest with a score of 80% or higher.
  • Complete the course evaluation.
After meeting these requirements, download your certificate of completion for Visible IPAC Leadership and the First 90 Days. Your certificate will identify this course and its 2 IPUs and 2 continuing education hours.
Provider: International College of Infection Control Professionals (ICICP)
Learner Support: support@icicp.com

Course curriculum

1. Conducting an Effective IPAC Investigation

Address immediate priorities, define the problem, set boundaries, and plan a focused investigation.

2. Collecting, Verifying and Organizing Evidence

Compare observations, interviews, records, and data; examine work as done; and verify findings before drawing conclusions.

3. Analyzing Findings and Identifying Root Causes

Explore process maps, fishbone diagrams, and appropriately scoped Five Whys analysis while looking beyond individual error.

4. Developing Corrective Actions That Last

Match actions to verified causes and compare interventions by their strength and reliance on memory or individual vigilance.

5. Evaluating Whether the Solution Worked

Monitor implementation, measure effectiveness, use Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles, and review whether improvements are sustained.

  Apply the learning

Explore problem statements, investigation scope, evidence triangulation, process maps, causal analysis, and corrective action strength. Case scenarios connect verified findings with measures of implementation and effectiveness.

Frequently asked questions

How do I access this course?

Access is included through enrolment in the IPAC Lead Leadership Program for Long-Term Care. Sign in to your learner account to open the course.

Do I need to finish the whole program before receiving this certificate?

No. You receive this course’s certificate after meeting its own completion requirements. Full-program completion has separate requirements.

Can I complete the courses in any order?

Yes. Each course can be completed independently. Courses 1 through 8 provide a recommended sequence that builds from visible leadership to annual planning.

How long will I have access?

Course access follows your program access period of one year from program enrolment.

Refund & cancellation policy: Non-Vocational Refund & Cancellation Policy

Disclosures and content independence

The instructor and planners report no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies related to this educational activity. This activity received no commercial support. Educational content is non-promotional and independent of commercial influence; any trade names are used for identification only.