Gerard Crotty and Owen Doody describe how guidelines to prevent infection in a residential unit were drawn up with reference to peer-reviewed research

Registered intellectual disability nurses in Ireland are required to use up-to-date evidenced-based research to inform their practice, to ensure quality outcomes and to offer the highest standard of care to those with whom they work. One such standard of care is the promotion of hygiene, and the prevention of infection and cross-infection, in the clinical environment, and the identification, prevention and management of healthcare-associated infections. Infection control guidelines based on evidenced-based research were developed and piloted in a residential unit for clients with severe intellectual disabilities and some physical disabilities. The pilot was well received, and judged to be cost-effective and mutually beneficial. Implementation of the guidelines throughout the organisation will improve the quality of care that nurses offer, and continuing review will be necessary.