Module Code - Title:

NM4183 - PRINCIPLES OF INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL FOR NURSES AND MIDWIVES

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

2

Tutorial

0

Other

2

Private

4

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

The aim of this module is to provide the student with knowledge and understanding of microbiology, immunology, infection prevention and control with application to nursing and midwifery practice in all healthcare settings.

Syllabus:

Basic understanding of bacteria, fungi, viruses, cultivation and identification of pathogens; pathogenesis e.g. HIV, STIs, Clostridium difficile, TB, MRSA; key stages/cycle of infection, transmission through populations, epidemiology and surveillance; infection prevention and control (hospital, community), healthcare associated infections, carrier status, isolation precautions; cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation; immuno-suppressed individuals; Antibiotics: action/ resistance, efficacy, stewardship; the immune response, antibodies, allergy and anaphylactic shock, immunisation; sepsis/septic shock and management. Clinical skills: Standard precautions Transmission based precautions Hand hygiene techniques Aseptic non touch technique Wound management/dressing techniques Care and management of skin closures Specimen collection and urinalysis.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Describe the nature, classification and transmission of micro-organisms and the standard precautions and infection control interventions used to break the cycle of infection. Explain epidemiological surveillance and other assessment monitoring activities including the role of the infection control team. Discuss the mode of action of antimicrobials and the basics of the immune system, vaccines and immunity.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Acknowledge the role of the healthcare team in supporting the individual and their family experiencing infection. Discuss the role of the nurse or midwife in the prevention of healthcare associated infections and sepsis development.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

Demonstrate safe and appropriate clinical skills essential for infection prevention and control.

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

This module provides students with the opportunity to develop knowledge and responsibility for patient safety and well-being through engagement in the teaching and learning strategies of lectures, clinical skills laboratories group work, problem/case based scenarios, recommended reading and reflection. Students will become more articulate and collaborative through engagement in class discussions and self-directed study to support their learning. The module will reflect the most recent national and international developments and research in the areas of Life Sciences and Nursing and Midwifery and incorporate relevant health policy.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Wilson, J. (2006) Infection control in clinical practice, 3rd ed. , Edinburgh: Baillere Tindall.

Damani, N., N. (2012) Manual of infection prevention and control, 3rd ed. , Oxford: University Press.

Weston, D. (2008) Infection prevention and control: Theory and clinical practice for healthcare professionals, 8th ed. , Oxford: Wiley.

Other Relevant Texts:

Dougherty, L. and Lister, S. (2015) The Royal Marsden manual of clinical nursing procedures , Oxford: Wiley.

Madigan, M.T., Martinko, J.M., Stalh, D.A. and Clark, D.P. (2012) Brock - Biology of microorganisms, 13th ed. , London: Pearson.

Laurence, J. and May, D. (2003) Infection control in the community , London: Churchill Livingstone.

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

BSMIDWUFA - MIDWIFERY

BSNUGEUFA - NURSING (GENERAL)

BSNUIDUFA - NURSING (INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY)

BSNUMHUFA - NURSING (MENTAL HEALTH)

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Autumn

Module Leader:

achim.schmalenberger@ul.ie