Infection Prevention & Control

This training course will equip the learner with the knowledge, skills, and competence to control the spread of infection in the healthcare sector.

The course has been designed to provide participants with an increased level of awareness when working in a healthcare environment and will assist healthcare workers to interact safely with clients during provision of care.

The training course is divided into five units and is delivered online, it will take approximately 1 hour to complete. On completion of the course, learners are required to complete an end of course quiz consisting of 20 multiple choice style questions and submit a video assignment.

At the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Identify the requirements for bacterial growth
  • Explain how infection is spread in a healthcare environment
  • Describe the links in the chain of infection
  • List common healthcare associated infections
  • Recognise the significance of correct hand hygiene in the healthcare sector
  • Discuss the use of appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Outline correct methods of handling and disposal of healthcare waste
  • Recognise the role of decontamination processes including cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation in the control of the spread of infection

Course Content

Unit 1: Basic Microbiology
  • Types of microorganisms
  • Requirements for bacterial growth
  • Spread of microorganisms
  • Direct and indirect contact
  • Resident and transient microorganisms
Unit 2: The Chain of Infection
  • What is infection?
  • Vulnerable groups
  • The Chain of Infection
  • Healthcare associated infections
Unit 3: Managing the Spread of Infection Part 1
  • Standard Precautions
  • Hand hygiene
  • PPE
  • Waste Management
Unit 4: Managing the Spread of Infection Part 2
  • Decontamination issues
  • Segregation of linen
  • Cough etiquette
Unit 5: Transmission Based Precautions
  • Contact precautions
  • Airborne precautions
  • Droplet precautions