School of Nursing and Midwifery

This is a 15 credit work based learning module, which is achieved in the main, through working within a clinical area where infection prevention and control is a requirement.

It aims to create and provide a learning opportunity which is responsive, flexible and relevant to current social and health care needs in a wide variety of clinical care settings either within primary or secondary care.

The module will be delivered by experts within their field utilising a blended learning approach. The module will require the practitioner to identify an area within their work environment which can be developed. They will be required to provide a small presentation to their peer group followed by a short paper.

This module is available as an elective module within the proposed BSc (Hons) Clinical Nursing Practice, multiple pathways, and as a free standing module.

To facilitate the healthcare professional to:-

• Develop their underpinning knowledge of infection control principles, and apply these to develop practice in their workplace with regard to prevention and control of infection. 
• Apply a critical, analytical, evidence-based approach to the application of new and existing knowledge in relation to infection control.

Registration with an appropriate registration body. Evidence of Level 2 academic study or equivalent.

Epidemiology of healthcare associated infections (HCAI’s); to include hospital and community acquired infections

The interface between hospital and community and infection control

Hospital and community hygiene; to include hand hygiene, cleaning, etc

Contemporary issues in infection control; to include international, national and local perspectives and developments, evidence-based infection control practices, national infection control agenda, care pathways and frameworks

The Health Act 2006 Code of Practice for the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections and other key legislation, policy and local standards related to infection control

Public policy, public health and environmental health

Pathogenesis of human disease

The chain of infection and host risk factors

Management of the physical, psychological and emotional impact of infection upon the patient / client, relatives and professional colleagues

The environment of care and infection control; high-risk settings and factors

High-risk situations regarding infection control; e.g. care of the immunosupporessed patient

Principles of microbiology, virology and immunology

Outbreak control and prevention strategies

Organisms of clinical significance; to include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium Difficile

Antibiotic prescribing and antimicrobial agents

Prevention and management of infection; to include risk assessment and management, clinical governance, surveillance, clinical audit.

Developing infection control practice; to include use of teaching and learning initiatives to develop practice and inform workplace developments

Legal, socio-economic and professional aspects of infection control

Module will utilize blended learning methods including VLE; to include use of WebCT resources and activities.

Presentation skills, academic writing and referencing skills