Tracking Infections

Surveillance data and outbreak investigation
CE-LTC-IPCC-SDI-V1.0
Understand how infection risks become surveillance priorities, how useful data are collected, and how IPAC Champions contribute to early recognition and outbreak response.
Included in the IPAC Champions Program for Long-Term Care.

Course Description

Infection surveillance connects day-to-day observations with a home’s prevention priorities. This course introduces the relationship between organizational risk assessment, surveillance planning, and outbreak management in long-term care.

You will explore surveillance methods, case definitions, data sources, and the importance of consistent documentation. Case activities show how emerging patterns are recognized and communicated, and how monitoring supports a coordinated response. The course prepares Champions to contribute reliable observations and departmental information while working with the IPAC Lead and the home’s outbreak response team.


Prerequisites / required prior knowledge

No formal prerequisites are required. Familiarity with long-term care operations and your department’s day-to-day responsibilities is recommended.

Delivery

Online
Self‑Instruction (Asynchronous)

Credit

1 IPU
1.0 continuing education hour (Self‑Instruction)

Award

Course Certificate of Completion

Access

Through 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:

  • Describe how organizational infection risk assessments identify and prioritize risks.

  • Explain how risk assessment findings inform surveillance goals and actions.

  • Differentiate prospective, retrospective, and targeted surveillance methods

  • Identify the role of case definitions, data sources, and consistent data collection in surveillance.

  • Describe reporting, investigation, monitoring, and control principles used in outbreak management.

Completion requirements:

  • View all required course content.
  • Achieve at least 80% on the course post-test.
  • Complete the course evaluation.
After successful completion, you can download your Certificate of Completion for Course 1, recording 1 IPU and 1 continuing education hour. Each course in the program has its own certificate. Complete all six courses to finish the IPAC Champions Program for Long-Term Care.
Provider: International College of Infection Control Professionals (ICICP)
Learner Support: support@icicp.com

Course 3 learning and completion

Course topics

  • Organizational infection risk assessment and priority setting

  • Risk mitigation, additional precautions, and communication

  • Surveillance goals, plans, priorities, and case definitions

  • Surveillance methods, data sources, and data collection

  • Reviewing information and recognizing emerging trends

  • Early reporting, outbreak investigation, response, and evaluation

Availability and access

This course is included with enrolment in the IPAC Champions Program for Long-Term Care. Access is available on demand during your program access period, which is one year from program enrolment.

How you will learn

Learn online at your own pace through course content, practical scenarios, knowledge checks, and reflection activities. A final post-test helps you demonstrate your understanding.

Frequently asked questions

Is this course suitable if I do not lead outbreak investigations? 

Yes. It focuses on the concepts Champions need to recognize concerns, contribute reliable information, and support the IPAC Lead and outbreak team within their assigned responsibilities.

Can I enrol in this course on its own?

This course is included within the IPAC Champions Program for Long-Term Care. Enrol through the full program to access all six courses.

Will I receive a separate certificate?

Yes. You receive a course-specific Certificate of Completion after meeting this course’s completion requirements.

Continue your learning

Already enrolled? Start or continue this course through your program. To join, visit the full IPAC Champions Program for Long-Term Care page.

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

Disclosures and content independence

Conflict of interest and proprietary interest The instructor and planners report no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies related to this educational activity.
Commercial support This activity received no commercial support.

Content independence Educational content is non-promotional and independent of commercial influence. Any trade names are used for identification only; alternatives may be discussed.