Level 3 Diploma in Infection Control

Level 3 Diploma in Infection Control

Course Synopsis
This diploma course is aimed at those who are seeking to establish a career which involves infection control, health care workers, managers involved in care settings, or those who may be carers themselves and wish to understand the principles and practice of infection control.

There are few jobs or personal situations where we are not expected to engage in some kind of infection control. It is a subject and related activity which is no longer just confined to the hospital or medical domain. Even in our own homes we are now expected to have knowledge of antibacterial products, processes and practices.

Increasing standards required for public premises also means that many individuals will be expected to manage infection control protocols and processes within their place of employment (for example schools, pubs, restaurants and even offices). The benefits of effective infection control are unquestionable in terms of wellbeing and the prevention of spread. We only have to think about influenza and threats of pandemics to realise the speed and extent of infections when they take hold.

This course is based on learning outcomes which will be outlined at the beginning of each module. There will be self-assessment activities throughout the course, and completion of these, though formative, will contribute towards knowledge and understanding in preparation for each module assignment and the final examination.

Each learning outcome will be fully explained and the self-assessment activities and assignments will be clearly linked to these. Your tutor will provide detailed feedback to you regarding how well you have met these learning outcomes, and together with your assignment and examination marks, you will therefore have a holistic overview of your course achievement.

It is hoped that if you decide to undertake this course you will develop an enhanced knowledge base and practical skills ability, as well as fulfilling a professional or personal development requirement.

The course has 10 modules, each of which will build upon the knowledge of the previous one. The module content is briefly outlined below:

Module 1: Infection control: past and present

In this module we will look at the historical origins of infection control and tract the progress of practices to the present day. The module will also explain exactly what is meant by infection control and contextualise it within various settings and environments.

We will also examine the current strategies and plans for the future of infection control and look at how it affects the lives of individuals.

Module 2: Anatomy and physiology relevant to infection control

Inevitably we must consider anatomy and physiology relevant to how the human body reacts to infection and copes with it. In this module we look at the structure and function of the immune system, together with the pathogenesis of infection.

There will be an opportunity for students to see how different systems within the body react to infection and we will look at the pathways of infection.

Module 3: Cause and spread of infection

This module looks at what causes infection and how it spreads. In order to understand these concepts better we will be looking at the microscopic structure and function of viruses and bacteria.

Module 4: The prevention and control of infection

Here we will examine the principles of basic hygiene and personal protection used in infection control. The module will also look at barrier and isolation nursing, together with safe practice within care situations. Accompanying these topics will be the safe disposal of hazardous material and decontamination techniques.

Module 5: Healthcare associated infection

This module will specifically address infections associated with hospital in patient stays, care home residence and other infection which is typically seen in healthcare environments. Examples such as surgical wound infection, hospital acquired pneumonia and bloodstream infections will be examined in detail, together with the relevant anatomy and physiology.

Modules 6 and 7: Antimicrobial resistance

In these two modules we look at the historic origins of antibiotics and how they are produced. We will also look at the principles of treatment with antibiotics and some common uses. Some specific infections will be examined in detail such as MRSA, E.Coli, C-difficile, HIV, Salmonella, TB, and others. Within this module there will be a lot of microbiology but all terminology will be explained within the context of the course.

Module 8: Legislation

There is a mass of legislation within the UK governing infection control practices. In this module we will look at this legislation and how it is interpreted within specific environments and contexts.

We will also look at organisational policies and procedures, together with example roles and responsibilities of individuals.

Module 9: Risk assessment

Here we look at how to identify hazards and assess the ensuing risks. Then we will look at how the risks are recorded, addressed and reviewed in order to comply with the relevant legislation and codes of practice.

Module 10: Collection and transportation of samples in infection control

In order to establish whether any infection is present samples must first be collected and analysed. In this module we look at these processes in detail and then relate the outcomes to specific practices.