Table 3.

Strengths and gaps in IPC (Infection prevention and control) programme, guidelines, IPC education and training identified during a baseline IPC assessment at Lira University Hospital, Uganda, in November 2020.

Components	Strengths	Gaps
IPC programme	None	No IPC programme No IPC team comprising full-time IPC professionals or their equivalent. Focal person does not have dedicated time for IPC activities. No IPC committee No clear commitment and support for IPC programme by senior leadership (no budget, not discussed in executive meetings) No microbiological laboratory support
IPC Guidelines	Facility guidelines for hand hygiene present Guideline in the facility consistent with national/international guidelines	No expertise for developing or adapting IPC guidelines There are no guidelines for: standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, outbreak management and preparedness, prevention of surgical site infections, prevention of vascular catheter-associated blood stream infections, prevention of hospital acquired pneumonia, prevention of catheter associated urinary tract infections, prevention of transmission of multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens, disinfection and sterilization, healthcare worker protection and safety, injection safety, waste management and antibiotic stewardship Implementation of the guidelines not adapted according to the local needs and resources Healthcare workers have not received specific training related to new or updated IPC guidelines, which is not involved in implementation of IPC No regular monitoring of IPC implementation
IPC Education and Training	Personnel with IPC expertise to lead the training and additional non-IPC personnel with adequate skills to serve as trainers and mentors (link nurses or doctors, champions) present Some personnel trained using interactive training sessions (e.g., simulation, and bedside training) IPC training integrated in the clinical practice and training of some specialties (e.g., surgery)	Healthcare workers, cleaners, and other personnel directly involved in patient care have rarely received IPC training Administrative and managerial staff have never received IPC training No periodic evaluation of effectiveness of training programmes No specific IPC trainings for patients or family members No ongoing development/education offered for staff (e.g., regularly attending conferences, courses)