Linking the Cleanliness Champions Programme
to the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF)
Dimensions
Generic Version
A Guide for Cleanliness Champions
17.01.2012
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NHS Education for Scotland
Introduction
The Cleanliness Champions Programme serves a multidisciplinary healthcare population and
is accessed by healthcare staff from very diverse backgrounds. To support staff in linking the
application of their learning to the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) we have mapped
the activities within the programme to the KSF Core Dimensions. As you develop the role of
the Cleanliness Champion we would encourage you to make links to other aspects of your KSF
outline where this is relevant to your role. It is important to note that the following mapping
information is indicative.
Some Guiding Principles
This document provides you with a starting point. As you will see the evidence you will be able
to provide, in the first instance, links mainly to Core Dimension 2: Personal and People
Development, Core Dimension 3: Health and Safety and Security and to Core Dimension
5: Quality. How you apply your learning will influence the evidence you will be able to provide
to meet the criteria for the core/non core dimensions and their respective levels. This may vary
from person to person depending on their role within the workplace.
For example applying your new knowledge and skills within your role as Cleanliness Champion
to:

Develop new patient/visitor information leaflets could support evidence for Core1:
Communication and Core 4: Service Improvement.

Improve your and colleagues risk assessments for care and/or treatment planning
supports evidence for HWB2: Assessment and Care Planning to Meet Health and
Wellbeing Needs and/or HWB6: Assessment and Treatment Planning.

Develop and deliver new awareness sessions around Hand Hygiene or Infection
Control could support evidence for Core 1: Communication and Core 2: Personal
and People Development.

Further develop the use of audit and quality improvement tools within your workplace to
improve patient services, the patient environment and the patient experience could
support evidence for Core 4: Service Improvement.
We have included the aims, learning outcomes and competencies for the Cleanliness
Champions programme to help you set the activities in the context of intended outcomes.
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Programme Aims, Learning Outcomes and Core Competencies
Programme Aims
The overall aim of the programme is to prepare Cleanliness Champions to promote and
maintain a healthcare culture in which patient safety related to infection prevention and
control is of the highest importance.
It focuses on two key themes which contribute to a safety culture:


Promoting safe practice
Ensuring a safe patient environment.
Learning Outcomes
The Learning Outcomes are targeted to ensure your development and enhance your ability to
fulfil your role as a Cleanliness Champion.
The overall Learning Outcomes for the programme are that on completion you will be able to:






Implement the role of the Cleanliness Champion in promoting a safety culture in your
organisation
Describe the core principles, known as Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs),
of infection prevention and control
Explain the reasons for adhering to policies and procedures relating to infection
prevention and control
Describe the Chain of Infection and demonstrate an understanding of the interventions
necessary to prevent and control infection (‘break the chain’)
Demonstrate positive role modelling by promoting safe care practices and a safe
environment for patients
Participate in quality improvement using the tools provided by the programme.
Core Competencies
Achieving the Core Competencies will enable you to promote the prevention and control of
infection in your role as a Cleanliness Champion.
The Core Competencies are:







Identifying, assessing and managing risks associated with infection
Breaking the Chain of Infection (taking actions)
Applying the SICPs consistently
Adhering to local and national policies
Using audit knowledge and skills
Demonstrating accountability and responsibility within the scope of the role
Promoting patient safety.
In addition to these overall Core Competencies for the programme, we have identified specific
competencies related to the learning in each individual unit.
The following pages will provide you with the individual unit learning outcomes and
competencies together with indicative linking of the activities to the KSF core dimensions.
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Unit 1: Introduction
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes for this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
1. State why Cleanliness Champions were introduced in NHSScotland
2. Describe the role of the Cleanliness Champion
3. Begin to understand the contribution Cleanliness Champions can make to promoting
the prevention and control of infection in the healthcare setting
4. Discuss your responsibilities as an employee for ensuring the safety of patients, visitors
and others by promoting a safety culture
5. Explain the need for Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs)
Competencies
The Core Competencies related to this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
A. Demonstrate awareness of the positive contribution Cleanliness Champions can make
in the promotion of prevention and control of infection
B. Demonstrate a commitment to, and develop yourself into, the Cleanliness Champions
role
C. Use Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) consistently in your everyday work
Activity
Link to KSF
Dimension
Core 2
Activity 1
The Cleanliness Champion role
Write a short account on your understanding of the role of the
Cleanliness Champion and why Cleanliness Champions were
introduced in NHS Scotland.
Activity 2
Developing your Cleanliness Champion role
Discuss with your mentor/supervisor how the programme will
be completed and how to develop the role within own
workplace.
Core 2
Activity 3
Your skills and attitudes
Write a short account on the skills and attitudes required as a
Cleanliness Champion.
Core 2
Activity 4
Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs)
Explain the term “Standard Infection Control Precautions and
how they relate to your practice to confirm and embed
understanding of SICPs.
Core 3
Core 5
Core Dimension 2: Personal and People Development
Core Dimension 3: Health, Safety and Security
Core Dimension 5: Quality
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Unit 2: The Chain of Infection
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes for this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
1. Explain the chain of infection, including reservoirs and routes of transmission
2. Understand how Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) can break the chain of
infection
3. Describe how to collect, handle and submit laboratory specimens according to
organisational policies (if appropriate for your role)
4. List factors within identified healthcare practices which could predispose to infection
Competencies
The Core Competencies related to this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
A. Apply knowledge of SICPs to break the chain of infection
B. Collect, handle and submit laboratory specimens according to organisational policies (if
appropriate for your role)
Activity
Link to KSF
Dimension
Core 3
Activity 1
Case Study
Review a case study (how a nurse breaks the chain of
infection) and show examples relating to your own work
setting.
Activity 2
Managing Patients with known/suspected infection
Explore single room preparation, discharge and measures
used to break the chain of infection. In addition, find out about
local arrangements for this group of patients.
Core 3
Activity 3
Breaking the Chain of Infection
Explain one of the 10 SICPs and explain its importance for
breaking the chain of infection.
Core 3
Activity 4
The Susceptible Host
Use a risk assessment tool and understand the categories and
scoring system. In the local setting select two patients, use the
tool to asses the infection risk and decide which category of
risk these patients belong.
Core 3
Activity 5
Specimens
Find out how specimens are obtained locally/or what has been
learnt about how these are stored and sent to the laboratory.
Core 3
Core Dimension 3: Health, Safety and Security
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Unit 3: Hand Hygiene
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes for this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Explain the importance of hand hygiene
Recognise when to perform hand hygiene
Explain when to use different hand hygiene products
List the correct steps for systematic hand hygiene
Identify the reasons for non-compliance with hand hygiene and the potential
consequences
Competencies
The Core Competencies related to this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
A. Perform hand hygiene at the correct times
B. Choose an appropriate hand hygiene product
C. Consistently apply the correct technique for hand hygiene
D. Demonstrate professional behaviour to minimise risk by, e.g., removing jewellery, and
covering skin abrasions
E. Act as a role model in promoting best practice in selecting and using appropriate hand
hygiene methods
Activity
Link to KSF
Dimension
Core 3
Activity 1
Performance of Hand Hygiene
Examine personal hand contamination and how
decontamination was carried out and how this was achieved.
Activity 2
Hand Hygiene Products in your own workplace
Familiarise yourself with hand decontamination products in
local setting. If you are not in workplace setting consult the
Hand Hygiene SICPs.
Core 3
Activity 3
Hand Washing Technique
Demonstrate personal hand washing technique to
mentor/supervisor and complete check list for observation and
reflection. In addition, seek permission to observe colleagues
technique and compare with your own making note of missed
steps.
Core 2
Activity 4
Non Compliance with Hand Hygiene
Consider the day’s events and highlight occasions where non
compliance took place and consider how this can be improved
to enhance your hand hygiene practice.
Core 2
Activity 5
Audit on Hand Washing Facilities and Practice
Audit the hand washing facilities, opportunities and practice in
your work area and complete a PDSA cycle.
Core 2
Core 3
Core Dimension 2: Personal and People Development
Core Dimension 3: Health, Safety and Security
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Unit 4: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes for this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
1. Determine the risk of contamination to clothing, skin and mucous membranes from
patients' blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions
2. Explain the importance of protection with gloves, aprons, gowns, protective face wear
and footwear
3. Discuss the correct donning, removal and disposal of PPE
4. Explain the actions to be taken if skin or mucous membranes are contaminated with
blood/body fluids
Competencies
The Core Competencies related to this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
A. Select personal protective equipment on the basis of assessment of risk of
contamination by blood/body fluids
B. Act as role model in promoting best practice in the selection and use of
appropriate PPE
C. Discuss the correct action to be taken in the event of contamination occurring with
blood/body fluids
Activity
Link to KSF
Dimension
Core 3
Activity 1
Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Explain to your mentor or supervisor when to use specific PPE
equipment.
Activity 2
Using an Audit Tool: PPE
Audit of the availability and use of PPE in the work setting and
complete a PDSA cycle.
Core 3
Core 5
Activity 3
Your local Policy
Compare a blood splash scenario with local policy
Core 3
Core Dimension 3: Health, Safety and Security
Core Dimension 5: Quality
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Unit 5: Safe Use and Disposal of Sharps
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes for this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
1. Explain the correct procedures for the safe handling and disposal of sharps
2. List the risks associated with the use and disposal of sharps
3. State the immediate actions to be taken in the event of a sharps injury
Competencies
The Core Competencies related to this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
A. Demonstrate knowledge of safe use and disposal of sharps
B. Audit the safe use and disposal of sharps
C. Act as a role model in promoting best practice in the safe use and disposal of sharps
D. Demonstrate the actions you would take in the event of a sharps injury
Activity
Link to KSF
Dimension
Core 3
Activity 1
Clinical Scenario
Consider the scenario and identify immediate actions to be
taken in the event of a sharps injury and demonstrate the
actions to be taken in the event of a sharps injury.
Activity 2
Local Policy
Seek out and become familiar with your local policies relating
to safe handling and disposal of sharps and what to do in the
event of a sharps injury.
Core 3
Activity 3
Using an Audit Tool: Safe Use and Disposal of Sharps
Audit in the safe use and disposal of sharps in your work area
and complete a PDSA cycle.
Core 3
Core 5
Activity 4
Sharps Injuries for your occupation
Identify the most common sharps injury for your occupation
and how to minimise the risks.
Core 3
Core Dimension 3: Health, Safety and Security
Core Dimension 5: Quality
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Unit 6: Maintenance of a clean healthcare environment
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes for this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
1. Explain the principles of healthcare environmental cleanliness
2. Explain the importance of decontaminating shared patient equipment
3. State when the different methods of decontamination of equipment will be used
why
4. Explain the actions to be taken in the event of spillage of blood/body fluids
and
Competencies
The Core Competencies related to this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
A. Act as a role model in promoting best practice in the maintenance of a clean healthcare
environment
B. Demonstrate awareness of decontamination methods, with examples of when each
might be used
C. Act as a role model in promoting best practice in selecting and using appropriate
decontamination methods
Activity
Link to KSF
Dimension
Core 4
Activity 1
Using an Audit Tool: The Environment
Audit the environment in your work area and complete a PDSA
cycle.
Activity 2
Environmental Cleanliness
Consider surrounding environment and identify areas/items
which are dusty and who is responsible for cleaning these
areas/items. Identify what action you can take if areas/items
are not clean.
Core 4
Activity 3
Decontamination of Equipment
Explore how frequently common items of equipment are
decontaminated in your area, who is responsible and how it
should be done. Consider what level of decontamination is
required and which products/equipment are used to achieve
this.
Core 3
Activity 4
Spillage
Identify who is responsible for cleaning up a spillage of
blood/body fluids and how it is done. Check with colleagues
their understanding and check local policies for procedure.
Core 2
Core 3
Core Dimension 2: Personal and People Development
Core Dimension 3: Health, Safety and Security
Core Dimension 4: Service Improvement
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Unit 7: Safe Management of Waste and Linen
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes for this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
1. Explain waste handling and disposal procedures
2. Explain why it is necessary to comply with waste legislation
3. Describe how waste segregation contributes to environmental protection
4. List measures to be taken to ensure the safe handling and disposal of linen
Competencies
The Core Competencies related to this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
A. Demonstrate safe handling, segregation and disposal of waste
B. Conduct waste disposal audits
C. Conduct linen management audits (if appropriate for your role)
D. Act as a role model in promoting best practice in the safe segregation, handling and
disposal of waste and linen
Activity
Link to KSF
Dimension
Core 3
Activity 1
Waste Disposal Methods
Read your local waste policy and identify different types of
waste and related disposal methods.
Activity 2
Waste Disposal Legislation
Consider why it is necessary to comply with legislation.
Core 3
Activity 3
Using an Audit Tool – Waste Disposal
Audit of the waste disposal in your work area and complete a
PDSA cycle.
Core 3
Core 5
Activity 4
Disposal of Linen
Identify the different types of laundry in your work area and
how they are segregated and coded/bagged for disposal.
Core 3
Core Dimension 3: Health, Safety and Security
Core Dimension 5: Quality
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Unit 8: Occupational Health and Food Hygiene
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes for this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
1. Identify situations when you need to seek advice on whether it is safe to go to work
2. List the possible causes of food contamination and ways to prevent it
3. Explain the measures taken to ensure safe storage and temperature control of food
4. List measures to be taken to ensure safe handling of food
Competencies
The Core Competencies related to this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
A. Demonstrate awareness of the role of Occupational Health Services in your work area
B. Demonstrate awareness of measures to prevent food contamination
C. Demonstrate an ability to store, handle and serve food safely as appropriate to job role
D. Act as a role model in promoting best infection prevention and control practice in food
handling
Activity
Link to KSF
Dimension
Core 2
Activity 1
Occupational Health
Examine how to access local Occupational Health Services
and the services that they provide.
Activity 2
Using an Audit Tool: Food Hygiene
Audit on the food hygiene in your work area and complete a
PDSA cycle.
Core 3
Core 5
Activity 3
Local policies on food hygiene and pest control
Locate and read your local policies on food hygiene and pest
control and identify areas that affect your work area.
Core 3
Activity 4
Food poisoning
Identify what is required in order to prevent food poisoning.
Core 3
Core Dimension 2: Personal and People Development
Core Dimension 3: Health, Safety and Security
Core Dimension 5: Quality
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Unit 9: The Role of the Cleanliness Champion and its Impact on the Patient Experience
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes for this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
1. Describe the Cleanliness Champion's role
2. List measures to be taken with professional appearance to minimise infection
3. Be aware of the audit cycle and quality improvement and their contribution to promoting
a safety culture
4. Identify ways of promoting a safety culture through the prevention and control of
infection
Competencies
The Core Competencies related to this unit are that on completion, you will be able to:
A. Act as a role model in professional dress/work clothes and operate within your own
professional code of conduct and local policies to enhance infection prevention and
control
B. Act as a role model in promoting best practice in the prevention and control of infection
C. Demonstrate an ability to take forward the Cleanliness Champion's role within your own
context and current post
D. Demonstrate an awareness of the need for quality improvement
E. Use your role as a Cleanliness Champion to promote a safety culture
Activity
Activity 1
Activity 2
Activity 3
Activity 4
Activity 5
Your role
Identify who is responsible for infection prevention and control
and what structures are in place to ensure standards are
maintained. In addition, identify if there are other Cleanliness
Champions in your area.
Your practice
Identify areas to take forward which you can enhance and
develop in your own personal hygiene, dress code or overall
attitude and behaviours.
Your impact
Consider what you have learned from the programme and
identify where you can make the most impact on your practice,
the patients/visitors and other healthcare staff.
The three most important areas to take forward
Revisit the completed audits and action plans and identify
three areas to take forward in your role as a Cleanliness
Champion.
Promoting a safety culture
Identify what is being done in your area to reduce HAI and
improve patient safety.
Link to KSF
Dimension
Core 2
Core 2
Core 1
Core 2
Core 4
Core 2
Core 4
Core 2
Core 3
Core 4
Core 5
Core Dimension 1: Communication
Core Dimension 2: Personal and People Development
Core Dimension 3: Health, Safety and Security
Core Dimension 4: Service Improvement
Core Dimension 5: Quality
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For more information on the Cleanliness Champions Programme and other
Healthcare Associated Infection related short courses visit our HAI website at
www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/hai
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