Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Unit Notes

Unit Overview and Scope

  • The primary objective of this unit is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and implement the Australian guidelines for the prevention and control of infection within the healthcare environment.

  • The scope of the curriculum begins with a foundational introduction to pathogens and extends into practical applications of safety protocols.

  • Students will learn strategies to protect themselves and others from the spread of infections through various clinical practices.

Key Learning Competencies and Topics

  • Infection Management Strategies:

    • Implementation of personal hygiene standards.

    • Correct techniques for the donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

    • Establishment and maintenance of cleaning routines.

    • Application of asepsis and aseptic techniques.

  • Outbreak and Breach Response:

    • Identification and management of infectious outbreaks, specifically citing gastroenteritis as a primary example.

    • Procedures for identifying and reporting breaches in infection control protocols.

  • Course Progress Modules:

    • Topic 1: Infection Control.

    • Topic 2: Standard & Transmission-Based Precautions (referred to in the contents list).

    • Topic 3: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

    • Topic 4: Policies and Procedures.

Laboratory Protocols and Requirements

  • Physical Environment: Much of the unit's practical instruction is conducted within a laboratory setting.

  • Footwear Requirements: Students are strictly required to wear rubber-soled, closed-in shoes for safety and compliance.

  • Exposure for Hygiene: For the purposes of hand hygiene and clinical practice, students must ensure that their forearms and hands are exposed.

  • Personal Attire and Comfort:

    • The use of PPE during laboratory tasks may cause students to feel hot and uncomfortable.

    • It is highly recommended to wear light clothing.

    • Nursing scrubs are explicitly encouraged if the student possesses them; otherwise, clothing of a similar weight is deemed suitable.

  • Electronic Devices Policy: There is a strict prohibition on the use or carriage of mobile phones within the laboratory environment.

Course Structure and Assessment

  • Session Breakdown: The unit consists of a total of 88 sessions.

    • Five (55) sessions are conducted face-to-face.

    • The final three (33) sessions are dedicated to specific assessment activities.

  • Assessment Task 3: Infection Control Simulation:

    • This assessment occurs during the final three sessions of the course.

    • Students are required to attend only at their specifically appointed time(s) for the simulation.

  • Progress Tracking: The course dashboard tracks progress across multiple areas, including an "Assessment" section consisting of 55 specific progress markers (0/50/5 completed at start).

Required Academic Resources and Readings

  • Primary Textbook Reference:

    • Bolton, A., & Gaskett, M. (2024). "Chapter 18: Infection Prevention and Control."

    • Found in: Koutoukidis, G., & Stainton, K. (Eds.), Tabbner's Nursing Care, Theory and Practice 8E.

    • Publisher: Elsevier, Chatswood, Australia.

  • National Guidelines:

    • Students must consult the "Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare."

    • These guidelines are provided by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.