TM5555:03
Infection Control in Health Care Settings
Townsville
40 lectures, 6 tutorials, 9 hours practicals. July intensive block mode.
Available to health professionals with Bachelors degree; health professionals with certification not at Bachelors level and others as agreed by the Head of School.
Staff: Assoc. Professor R Speare, Mr D Rowbottom.
Cycle of infection; interactions of humans with microorganisms; principles of infection control; standard and additional precautions; policies for and monitoring of infection control in particular settings in the health industry; basic bacteriological procedures including collection of samples from patients, staff and environment and transport to laboratory; practical epidemiological investigations of infectious disease; role of the laboratory and interpretation of microbiological results; hazards of particular health care settings in developed and developing countries and effective strategies to lessen risks; hazards of particular diseases and strategies to lessen risks; occupational health and safety considerations; disinfection, safe disposal of clinical waste; appropriate use of antibiotics; staff immunisation policies; staff training and education programs in infection control.
Learning Objectives:
- describe the cycle of infection and the importance of the immune system in interactions with infectious agents;
- demonstrate an understanding of the epidemiological aspects of infections in the health care setting and how to investigate these;
- outline the concepts and procedures of infection control and methods used to destroy microorganisms;
- demonstrate the correct collection and transport techniques to maximise laboratory results;
- ability to interpret the results of microbiological tests relevant to infection control;
- have the knowledge and skills to conduct staff training programs within health care settings;
- demonstrate sufficient level of knowledge and skills in infection control to be accredited by the Australian Infection Control Association.
Assessment by examination (45%); practical reports (40%); case study (15%).