Accredited Level 3 Infection Control Diploma

Accredited Level 3 Infection Control Diploma Course Content

Accredited Level 3 Infection Control Diploma Module 1: Infection control: past and present

This module looks at the historical origins of infection control, an in depth look at key pandemics such as the Black death and smallpox, and the historic progress leading to practices to curb or limit spread in the present day. The meaning of infection control, what can be learned from past case studies and how to contextualise it within various settings and environments is discussed. Current strategies and plans for the future of infection control and how it affects the lives of individuals is examined and linked to topical issues such as the rise and spread of Ebola.

Accredited Level 3 Infection Control Diploma Module 2: Anatomy and physiology relevant to infection control

The first point of controlling an infection is to understand its impact on the human body and how to prevent and fight the pathogen. This modules start by looking at the anatomy and physiology relevant to how and where the human body reacts to infection and copes with it. The structure and function of the immune system is investigated, together with the pathogenesis of infection. Immunity is defined to help understanding of the auto-immune system, antigens, antibodies and vaccinations in detail. A historic overview of vaccinations helps build knowledge of how they work and how new types can be made. Barriers to infection such as the skin are looked at in detail.

Accredited Level 3 Infection Control Diploma Module 3: Cause and spread of infection

The causes of infection and how it spreads in both animals and plants are explored. In order to understand these concepts better, the microscopic structure of cells and function of viruses and bacteria from how they grow and develop in order to cause infection is studied. An understanding of the optimum conditions needed for organisms helps to look at ways of controlling them or preventing spread, such as placing food in fridges or pasteurising milk. This topics concludes with information about when children need to be vaccinated and with which course of treatment. Similarly, the suitable vaccination adults require when travelling are given.

Accredited Level 3 Infection Control Diploma Module 4: The prevention and control of infection

It is surprising that people still do not realise the importance of washing hands after using the toilet. The principles of basic hygiene, surface cleaning and personal protection used in infection control are examined. Detailed information on the appropriateness of proper cleaning and hygiene are shown particular in professions involving care and food. The barrier and isolation nursing, together with safe practice within care situations are discussed. Accompanying these topics will be the safe disposal of hazardous material and decontamination techniques.

Accredited Level 3 Infection Control Diploma Module 5: Healthcare associated infection

The rise of infection such as MRSA which can result in death for patients in hospital is of particular concern and so needs to be addressed. This module will specifically address infections associated with hospitals, care home residence and other infections which are typically seen in healthcare environments. Examples such as surgical wound infection, aseptic techniques, hospital-acquired pneumonia and bloodstream infections will be examined in detail, together with the relevant anatomy and physiology to show the impact of these diseases on the human body, and how to limit and prevent spread.

Accredited Level 3 Infection Control Diploma Modules 6 and 7: Antimicrobial resistance

These two modules look at the historic origins of antibiotics and the various processes used in their production, e.g. Biotechnology, Screening, and fermenters. The principles of treatment with antibiotics, how they work and their common uses is explored. Some specific infections will be examined in detail with their symptoms and treatment using antibiotics such as MRSA, E.Coli, C-difficile, HIV, Salmonella, TB, and others caused by fungus such as Ringworm and parasites e.g. Malaria. Within this module there will be a lot of microbiology but all terminology will be explained within the context of the course. There is a growing resistance of microbes to antibiotics especially in hospitals where they are used in high concentration. Why and how this occurs and the problem of increasing antibiotic resistance is discussed.

Accredited Level 3 Infection Control Diploma Module 8: Legislation

A summary of the history of public health reform in Britain is given. As with all industry there is a mass of legislation within the UK governing infection control practices, but even then we have seen the harm caused to the economy when we had outbreaks such as E. coli concerns in eggs and Foot and mouth disease. Legislation, e.g. the Health and Safety at Work Act, was written based on past problems and is regulated by bodies collecting and collating data, so how it is interpreted within specific environments and contexts to maintain infection control is discussed. Some diseases have totally been eliminated in the UK however, TB is now growing due to movement and migration of people. Vaccination of children is covered as this is a key form of infection control and harm e.g. when some parents refused to give their children the MRNA vaccination which caused the rise of Whooping Cough. Organisational policies and procedures, together with example roles and responsibilities of individuals in the workplace is discussed e.g. how to dispose of hazardous waste.

Accredited Level 3 Infection Control Diploma Module 9: Risk assessment

How to identify hazards, their level of harm and assess the ensuing risks are discussed. The way risks are recorded, addressed and reviewed in order to comply with the relevant legislation and codes of practice are given. Strategies to address potentials risks to the person e.g. in caring for the elderly, leads the discussion on who has roles and responsibilities to manage risk. A recent practice seen was when the possible spread of Ebola in the UK was trialled, risk assessment and how its spread could be halted was tested. Which training and policies employers must provide, how risks are monitored and evaluated/ controlled in the workplace is covered with real case studies.

Accredited Level 3 Infection Control Diploma Module 10: Collection and transportation of samples in infection control

In order to establish whether any infection is present, samples must first be collected and analysed. How to take samples safely and following precautions is shown. The most common tests and methods used in the laboratory for blood e.g. the C-reactive protein test, urine e.g. test for Diabetes, and culture samples e.g. of the throat to test for certain Bacteria using the Gram-stain tests is investigated. Discussion on how to dispose of Biological waste ends this course.