This glossary was created with input from members of PICNet, PHAC Infection Control Guidelines and the BC Ministry of Health. A list of references is available here. Definitions will be updated frequently and may change or be removed. Please send us your comments and feedback by email to picnet@phsa.ca.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Reinforcing factors: those tending to perpetuate or aggravate the presence of a disease, disability, impairment, attitude, pattern of behaviour or course of action. They may tend to be repetitive, recurrent or persistent and may or may not necessarily be the same or similar as those categorized as predisposing, enabling or precipitating. (11)

Relative Risk: The ratio of the risk of an event among the exposed to the risk among the unexposed: this usage is synonymous with “risk ratio”. (17)

Reportable Diseases: A disease that, by statutory requirements, must be reported to the public health authority in the pertinent jurisdiction when the diagnosis is made. A disease, also known as a notifiable disease, deemed of sufficient importance to the public health to require that its occurrence be reported to health authorities (11).

Residential Care Facility: Residential care facilities provide 24-hour professional nursing care and supervision in a protective, supportive environment for people who have complex care needs and can no longer be cared for in their own homes. (3)

Routine Practices: Infection control practices used in the care of all patients to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from patient to patient, patient to HCP, and HCP to patient (10).

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