The International Engagement Network (IEN) brings together infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals from across the world to share ideas, experiences and learning.
The group includes IPC nurses working overseas, UK nurses with international links or overseas training, and professionals involved in outbreak response and healthcare improvement work around the world. The network also supports IPS affiliated societies and international members.
The IEN runs online events and webinars where members can learn from each other and hear about IPC work happening in different countries and settings.
Recent sessions have included:
- A joint event with IPS affiliated societies in Ukraine and Italy, where speakers shared their experiences of IPC during conflict and humanitarian crises
- A session on new approaches to IPC training and improving practice
- A webinar about respiratory protective equipment and IPC work in Montserrat
The network aims to hold at least two events each year and encourages IPC professionals from low and middle-income countries to get involved through concessionary memberships and Special Access Membership for IPC societies.
The work of the network also highlights the important international contribution IPS members are making to IPC improvement around the world.
Amanda Daniel, Chair of the IEN, has recently been supporting IPC work in Somalia as a reservist with the IPC team of the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UKPHRST). Working with Dr Abdikarim from Somalia’s Ministry of Health & Human Services, the team developed 17 infection prevention and control standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Healthcare workers and healthcare leaders across Somalia were invited to review the guidance to make sure it was practical and realistic to use in local settings. Amanda later travelled to Mogadishu to co-deliver a workshop with healthcare staff to review the SOPs and discuss how they could be put into practice.
The project is now moving forward with plans to develop a national IPC curriculum to help strengthen IPC knowledge and practice across Somalia’s healthcare system.
Janice Toplass, Deputy Chair of the IEN, has also been supporting international IPC work through her role with UKHSA. Last year, she helped develop a respiratory protection programme in Montserrat alongside local IPC lead Dr Tiffannie Skerritt-Flemming and colleague Dr Cat Makison Booth.
Together, they created a practical and sustainable programme designed to meet the needs of healthcare workers on the island. The work included providing respiratory protection equipment, fit testing and training for healthcare staff, while making sure the programme could continue long-term within the local healthcare setting.
These projects are just some of the ways IEN members are sharing expertise, building partnerships and supporting IPC practice internationally.
Get involved
The IEN is looking to grow its network and would like to hear from members with international IPC experience or an interest in global engagement work. Members can find out more about joining the network here.
