Procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.Show
   At the earliest opportunity, inform the department concerned about the procedure and the appropriate infection control precautions required. Maintain patient confidentiality.
   To allow the department time to make appropriate arrangements. E
2. 2.Show
   If possible and appropriate, arrange for the patient to have the last appointment of the day. If this is not possible, the patient should be seen quickly and returned to their isolation room.
   The department concerned and any intervening areas will be less busy, so reducing the risk of contact with other vulnerable individuals. Also, the additional cleaning required following any procedure will not disrupt subsequent appointments. E
3. 3.Show
   Inform the portering service of the infection control precautions required.
   Explanation will minimize the risk of cross‐infection through failure to comply with infection control precautions (Fraise and Bradley [41], E).
4. 4.Show
   Introduce yourself to the patient, and explain and discuss the procedure with them.
   To ensure that the patient feels at ease and understands the procedure (NMC [86], C).
5. 5.Show
   If the patient has an infection requiring droplet or airborne precautions, where the infection may present a risk to people encountered in the other department or in transit, the patient will need to wear a mask or respirator of the appropriate standard. Provide the patient with the mask and explain why it is required and how and when it is to be worn (i.e. while outside their single‐occupancy room) and assist them to don it if necessary.
   To prevent airborne cross‐infection. E

   Providing the patient with relevant information will reduce anxiety. C
6. 6.Show
   Escort the patient if necessary.
   To attend to the patient's nursing needs and to remind others of infection control precautions if required. E