Table 3 Recommendations to improve IPC (open-ended question), according to professionals (n = 319) from residential care facilities (RCFs) for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs)

Tailor IPC strategies to diversity in the care sector and differentiate between different client groups and different types of care provision

“We are highly dependent on the behaviour of our clients in this regard. Often, they do not understand an IPC measure, and it conflicts with their rituals and support needs. Therefore, context-sensitive and tailored actions are needed.”

“Within ambulatory care, we are guests in clients’ home environments. This can be problematic when the client follows a specific lifestyle and there is no room for IPC. This requires careful action.”

“Customisation for different departments and groups is needed. Ambulatory staff require different rules than those working in residential care facilities.”

“There is a distinction between residential and ambulatory care settings where the client’s network should be taken into account with regard to IPC.”

“Segmenting client groups is necessary. Clients cannot be compared; client groups with mild intellectual disabilities are very different from groups with severe and profound disabilities. This demands differentiation and customisation, as well as awareness from the government.”

Involve clients and their relatives in IPC

“Providing client-centered information on the client’s level.”

“Parents of clients should also be involved in this. Discuss with the team and parents what is desirable and necessary. We highly value a personalised approach.”

Local/team coaching and guidance on IPC

“Designating a person in the organisation who, for example, visits teams every three months to refresh their knowledge of IPC.”

“Making it [IPC] a topic of discussion during team meetings, addressing challenges and exploring potential solutions.”

“Emphasising coaching in the workplace, integrating IPC into daily practices for both clients and staff.”

“Sensitisation within the group is important, maintaining a local approach.”

“Appointing IPC contact persons within each facility or department.”

“Having someone visit the residences to provide information and work together with the non-medical staff to identify and address their specific challenges in practice.”

Ongoing and structural attention to IPC (not only during the COVID-19 pandemic)

“Structural and ongoing attention is needed to IPC, not only when there is something like an epidemic or the current pandemic.”

IPC education/training

“Creating awareness by providing information on how infections are transmitted, as well as highlighting the dirtiness of our own hands using a lamp and identifying frequently touched areas in a department.”

“More attention to and tips for clients who strongly resist IPC measures based on their level of understanding.”

“Learning from and with each other. Professionals need to be aware that their behaviour and failure to use the appropriate measures can harm the client.”

“Continuing education, possibly as part of earning accreditation points.”

Increase access to IPC materials and facilities

“Hang alcohol dispensers in more locations within our living group. This will encourage greater use of them.”

“Ensure that there are always sufficient supplies available by proactively planning ahead and not falling behind on ordering.”

Increase staff resources

“More hands at the bedside. Too many vacancies; too few applicants.”

Modelling, setting a good example

“A good example sets a good precedent.”

Involve temporary workers

“Involve temporary workers strongly in IPC. I often see non-compliance among this group. They are resistant towards it [IPC].”

Outsource cleaning externally (no cleaning by clients)

“Better cleaning by domestic helpers and no clients being the cleaning lady! Delegate more household tasks to professional cleaning organisations, such as laundry and cleaning.”

Increase monitoring and feedback

“More monitoring, for example, during medication checks to examine the presence of artificial nails, which are very common among night shift caregivers.”