Paediatric Infection Prevention Improvement Network (PIPIN)

The Paediatric Infection Prevention Improvement Network (PIPIN) was formed in 2019 and is a multi-disciplinary group of healthcare professionals who work in infection prevention control and infectious diseases. The group met for the first time in May 2019 and established some aims and potential work streams.

The aims of the group are to:

• Provide a voice for paediatric infection control and highlight its importance at national and international level.
• Provide learning and networking opportunities for those working within paediatric infection prevention and infectious diseases.
• Improve the care and reduce infections through collaborative improvement projects for children and young people (CYP) in healthcare

Potentials work streams identified in 2019 (to be reviewed in next meeting):

• Reduction of central venous line infection
• Reduction of non-sterile gloves within healthcare

As healthcare professionals working within paediatric environments we know some of the challenges faced around infection prevention may be different to other environments. Children and young people (CYP) often have family units who are involved in care and often resident as part of the stay, play is a crucial part of childhood development so access to safe play resources is crucial. We also know that the micro-organisms that may cause concern in paediatrics may vary from that of the adult population within healthcare; enteric and respiratory viruses are prevalent in the population so additional or different measures may be required to control them.