Module Code - Title:
NS6192
-
LEADING AND MANAGING INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module will enable the student to consolidate prior knowledge and skills and prepare for assuming a greater role in leading and managing infection prevention and control strategies. The emergence of novel infections such as coronavirus place an urgent emphasis on the need for up to date evidence-based education. The human, workplace and financial consequences of community acquired, and healthcare associated infections are increasingly recognised. The purpose of the module is to provide students with an opportunity to critically appraise and evaluate current infection prevention and control practice approaches, whilst preparing to champion and lead infection prevention and control best practice in the workplace.
Syllabus:
Philosophies and principles of infection prevention and control, applied leadership theory, infection control programme governance and management, implementing effective procedures and strategies, risk assessment, quality improvement plan development, audit and surveillance, identification, investigation and management of outbreaks, preparedness for epidemic/pandemics, managing a surveillance system, applied microbiology, interpreting microbiological, epidemiological and audit data, reducing antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship, human factors and behavioural safety, environmental contamination and decontamination measures, evaluating infection control training needs and designing an interdisciplinary training programme, psychosocial staff and client/patient/service user health and wellbeing.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this module students will be able to:
Develop infection prevention and control management and leadership capabilities at individual and organisational level.
Critically discuss the core competencies required for infection prevention and control leaders.
Critically appraise contrasting approaches to infection prevention and control management strategies.
Skilfully apply microbiological and epidemiological knowledge to managing infection prevention and control strategies.
Engage a person-centred, evidence-based, safe and effective approach to infection prevention and control practice management.
Critically evaluate practice against national and international standards across a spectrum of workplace settings.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this module students will be able to:
Discuss the value of a multidisciplinary team-based approach to infection prevention and control management.
Demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of a holistic and person-centered approach to promoting and enabling safe infection prevention and control practices.
Articulate an appreciation for training required to provide safe and effective infection prevention and control practices.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is delivered through a blended delivery format, utilising a virtual learning environment (VLE). Teaching and learning strategies include e.g. lectures, discussions, small group teaching, recommended reading, reflection, self-directed learning, group work, seminars, peer presentations, posters, case scenarios, workshops, audio-visual resources and VLE resources e.g. wikis, quizzes, discussion boards and chat forums.
Adult learning theories underpin the module, enabling students to become knowledgeable responsible, articulate, proactive, creative and collaborative graduates (UL Graduate attributes 2014), with a focus on active engagement and social constructivism.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Damani, N. (2019)
Manual of Infection Prevention and Control, 4th Ed.
, Oxford: Oxford University Press
VanMeter, K. and Hubert, R. (2021)
Microbiology for the Healthcare Professional, 3rd Ed.
, London: Mosby
Wilson, J. (2019)
Infection Control in Clinical Practice, 3rd Ed.
, London: Elsevier
Other Relevant Texts:
Barr, J. and Dowding, L (2022)
Leadership in Health Care, 5th Ed.
, London: Sage
Gopee, N. (2022)
Leading and Managing Healthcare.
, London: Sage
Courtenay, M. and Castro-Sánchez, E. (2020)
Antimicrobial Stewardship for Nursing Practice.
, London: Stylus Publishing L.L.C.
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
liz.kingston@ul.ie