When Infection Control Becomes Theatre

Infection prevention and control measures are designed to reduce risk and protect patients, residents, and healthcare workers. But during times of crisis—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—some practices emerged that raised an important question:

Were they truly reducing infection risk, or were they primarily providing reassurance?

In this episode of the Infection Control Exchange Podcast, Wayne Tucker explores the concept of “IPAC theatre.” These are highly visible practices that appear protective but may not always deliver meaningful infection control benefits.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• The concept of infection control theatre
• Why visible actions can sometimes replace evidence-based interventions
• Temperature screening for staff and visitors during the pandemic
• The difference between risk reduction and perceived safety
• How public expectations, leadership decisions, and politics can influence infection control measures
• The importance of continually evaluating whether interventions are effective, proportional, and evidence-informed

Infection prevention and control are about reducing risk, not performing safety measures. This episode explores how IPAC professionals can maintain scientific integrity while navigating public expectations and organizational pressures.