Course unit details:
Infection Prevention & Control
| Unit code | POPH65552 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Summer semester |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This blended course unit will include an e-textbook provided through the University library and required and additional reading of articles, policies and media publications. The course materials will include reflective study tasks, and topic-based discussions hosted on Blackboard. Students will undertake ungraded, self-administered quizzes to gauge their own progress in the online content.
Aims
- Identify the impact of healthcare associated infections and provide an introduction to the art and science of Infection Prevention and Control, appraising the evidence-base behind policies, guidance and implementation.
- Equip students with the skills to apply core principles of Infection Prevention and Control in their professional settings.
Learning outcomes
| Category of outcome | Students should be able to: |
| Knowledge and understanding | A1 Analyse the evidence base for healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and discuss the impact on and implications for public heath A2 Explain the core principles of infection prevention and control A3 Analyse the burden of disease from HCAIs globally |
| Intellectual skills | B1 Critically appraise the evidence base informing policy, frameworks and best practice in infection prevention and control B2 Discuss the implementation of policies and guidance in relation to infection prevention and control in global settings B3 Analyse the potential impacts of different scenarios and examine the appropriate responses |
| Practical skills | C1 Evaluate the health impacts, mitigations and adequate responses to HCAIs in specific settings C2 Develop and apply infection prevention and control strategies in real world settings C3 Apply root cause analysis, audit or outbreak investigation of HCAIs in specific settings |
| Transferable skills and personal qualities | D1 Apply the principles of evidence based practice D2 Work as a team to produce a collaborative output D3 Transfer knowledge gained to professional setting |
Syllabus
- Burden of disease from HCAIs
- Infection prevention and control teams and procedures
- Basic communicable disease control
- Audit, surveillance and investigation
- Antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance
- Practical applications of guidelines for IPC teams, including hand hygiene, PPE, cleaning
- Case studies – (including Staphylococcus aureus, TB, Clostridium difficile, Norovirus, Bloodborne viruses, Ebola)
- IPC in global settings
- Practical application of root cause analysis/audit/outbreak investigation
Teaching and learning methods
This course unit will include an e-textbook provided through the University library and additional reading of articles, policies and media publications will be required. Peer reviewed publications will be highlighted (and accessible through the University library), and key publications, frameworks and guidelines will be utilised throughout the course. Where relevant, issues relating to wider applications of Infection Prevention and Control in the media will be incorporated. Students will be encouraged to explore their own sources.
The online course materials will include reflective study tasks and topic-based discussions hosted on blackboard. Students will undertake ungraded, self-administered quizzes to gauge their own progress in the online content. Topic-specific learning outcomes for each study week will supplement the intended learning outcomes set out above.
This is a blended unit, and students will need to be available for a 3-day face-to-face teaching block from 1st - 3rd July 2024. During these sessions students will take part in tutorials led by practitioners and experts in Infection Prevention and Control, delivered through a combination of real-time and recorded activities.
Students will complete a 20-minute presentation as a final unit assesment. Students will have the option to either submit a pre-recorded presentation or deliver the presentation 'live'.
This is a mandatory course unit for students studying on the on-campus programme, or an optional course unit for students on the web-based learning programme. There will be written materials by the tutors guiding students through the course, illustrated with photographs and figures to illustrate the rich topic areas. Much of the content will be presented through reading, including peer reviewed journals (accessible through the University library), and multimedia, including videos. Students will be directed to a variety of relevant literature each week, but also encouraged to research and explore and find their own sources.
There will be regular interaction with the tutors through scheduled seminars (which will be recorded for those on the web-based option) and online through the discussion boards. Students will be encouraged to use self-reflection to think about the ideas discussed, and take part in discussion board activities. Students should work through the unit in a logical sequence. The individual course unit timetables will guide what should be done and when. Participation in the discussion boards is greatly encouraged, and can help enhance your learning experience and prepare you for your assessment.
For all students - The majority of the course will be delivered through the virtual learning platform, which will include required and additional reading, self-tests and discussion boards.
Web-based students - There will be webinars that will be recorded to allow synchronous and asynchronous learning. Web-based students may join webinars live, but it is not mandatory. Recordings will be made of all face-to-face activities and will be made available.
For on campus students - All face-to-face activities are mandatory for all students. Attendance is monitored and an escalation policy is in place for non-attendance. The tutor-led sessions will be recorded and made available for all students as part of good pedagogic practice for accessibility, revision and consolidation. We also have weekly peer-led team study sessions where you will be asked to undertake tasks linked to the course unit materials using the discussion boards.
For all students - In line with guidance from the Office for Students and Quality Assurance Agency, the programme will be augmented by the Programme Director Seminar Series to deliver study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking and understa
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Students will critically analyse latest frameworks, guidelines and best practice related to Infection Prevention and Control, and the challenges to implementation.
- Group/team working
- In this module, students will work together to apply and present the principles and practical skills of Infection Prevention and Control.
- Project management
- Students will be required to consider the development, planning, and implementation of appropriate responses to infection in healthcare settings.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Oral assessment/presentation | 100% |
Feedback methods
Students will be provided with personalised feedback for their final summative presentation within 20 working days of final submission.
Further opportunities for formative feedback (on non-assessed work) will also be provided during the course unit.
Recommended reading
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| eAssessment | 60 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 30 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 60 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Rebecca Rippon | Unit coordinator |
| Arpana Verma | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
If you have any questions about the content of this unit, please contact the course unit leader Rebecca Rippon via email on rebecca.rippon@manchester.ac.uk. If you have any other queries, please contact the PGT programme team at shs.programmes@manchester.ac.uk.