Scottish infection prevention and control education pathway (SIPCEP)
Welcome to the Scottish Infection Prevention and Control Education Pathway (SIPCEP).
📢 Please note: We are updating SIPCEP content to improve their inclusivity, accessibility and usability on mobile devices. You may notice changes to modules, page layouts, and where resources are located as these updates are rolled out.
What is the Scottish Infection Prevention and Control Education Pathway (SIPCEP)?
SIPCEP is a staged pathway of infection prevention and control education for all Scottish health and social care staff and students. It aims to support continuous development of IPC knowledge and skills as part of their role.
SIPCEP is designed to support implementation of the national IPC guidance contained within the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual and the Care Home Infection Prevention and Control Manual.
On this page you can explore learning opportunities within each layer of SIPCEP:
Use the SIPCEP resources quick finder to help you identify the most relevant learning resources for your role. It includes information about the target audience and the types of resources available.
You DO NOT have to complete all the resources in this pathway. Check with your line manager, tutor or course leader to determine which resources are appropriate and/or mandatory.
For any queries about the pathway please check the IPC Turas Learn Zone guide or contact hai@nes.scot.nhs.uk
SIPCEP foundation layer
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The resources contained within the SIPCEP foundation layer are specific to ‘Standard Infection Control Precautions’, referenced within the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual.
You can find out more about the learning outcomes in the Learning outcomes for SIPCEP foundation layer modules.
Important information: Following the release of the SIPCEP foundation module, 'Why infection prevention and control matters,' we will retire four existing SIPCEP foundation modules on Monday 9th March:
- Breaking the Chain of Infection
- Infection prevention and control: Clostridioides difficile infection
- Infection prevention and control: refresher for clinical staff
- Infection prevention and control: refresher for non-clinical staff
These changes support a clearer and more streamlined learning experience aligned with the most up to date information.
It is important to note that Why Infection Prevention and Control Matters does not replace all foundation modules. Learners should still complete other SIPCEP foundation modules where these relate to their role, responsibilities, and area of work.
SIPCEP intermediate layer
The intermediate layer focuses on the application of knowledge and covers a range of topics with resources in a variety of formats.
The intermediate layer provides resources to:
- Enhance 'clinical’ or ‘practical’ skills
- Reinforce decision making and clinical reasoning
SIPCEP Improvement layer
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The improvement layer is designed for those who wish to develop knowledge and skills in relation to infection prevention and control and quality improvement, lead on or actively participate in an infection prevention and control improvement project in their place of work.
Please note: The Scottish Infection Prevention and Control Education Pathway - Improvement layer is currently undergoing review. You can find alternative educational resources and quality improvement programmes currently offered by NES within the Quality Improvement Zone.
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Alternative formats
If you require this resource to be made available in alternative formats, please email HAI@nes.scot.nhs.uk or altformats@nes.scot.nhs.uk to discuss how we can best meet your requirements.