Infection Control Short Course Diploma

Increasing standards required for public premises also means that many individuals will be expected to manage infection control protocols and processes within their place of employment (for example schools, pubs, restaurants and even offices).

The benefits of effective infection control are unquestionable in terms of well-being and the prevention of spread. We only have to think about influenza and threats of pandemics to realise the speed and extent of infections when they take hold.

This course is thoughtfully structured into ten manageable units, each exploring key aspects of the field.

Infection Control Short Course Diploma Entry Requirements:
All students must be 16 years of age and above to enter into our Infection Control Short Course Diploma (Level 3).

Short Course Diploma courses require a minimum prior learning to GCSE standard in order that students can manage their studies and the assumed knowledge within course content.

Study Hours
200 hours in total. Or 20 hours per week over 10 weeks.

Assessment
Written assessment at the end of each unit of study.

Enrolment
Please note that you can enrol on this course at any time.

Progression
This Infection Control Short Course Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4 Diploma or higher.

Course Content

Unit 1: Infection control: past and present

In this module, we explore the historical roots of infection control, delving into key pandemics like the Black Death and smallpox. We analyse the progression leading to contemporary practices, learning from past cases to understand infection control. The module also scrutinises current strategies and future plans, highlighting their impact on individuals, and addresses the ongoing concerns, including the rise and spread of Ebola today.

Unit 2: Anatomy and physiology relevant to infection control

This module begins by exploring the anatomy and physiology of the human body in response to infection and understanding the body’s reactions and coping mechanisms. The immune system’s structure and function are examined, along with the pathogenesis of infection. The module delves into immunity, the auto-immune system, antigens, and antibodies, and provides a detailed analysis of vaccinations, including a historical overview. Additionally, barriers to infection, such as the skin, are scrutinised.

Unit 3: Cause and spread of infection

This module explores the causes and transmission of infection in animals and plants, delving into the microscopic structure and function of cells, viruses, and bacteria. It examines the growth and development of these organisms, emphasising the conditions conducive to infection. The module also covers strategies for control and prevention, including practices like refrigeration and pasteurisation. Additionally, it provides insights into vaccination requirements for children and adults, especially for travellers.

Unit 4: The prevention and control of infection

This module emphasises the fundamental importance of hygiene practices, focusing on handwashing after toilet use. It delves into the principles of basic hygiene, surface cleaning, and personal protection essential for infection control. The relevance of proper cleaning and hygiene, especially in care and food-related professions, is highlighted. The module also covers barrier and isolation nursing, emphasising safe practices in care settings. Additionally, it addresses the safe disposal of hazardous materials and decontamination techniques.

Unit 5: Healthcare-associated infection

This module addresses the concerning rise of infections like MRSA, especially within healthcare settings. Focusing on infections associated with hospital stays and care homes, it covers topics such as surgical wound infections, aseptic techniques, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. The module provides detailed insights into the relevant anatomy and physiology, emphasising the impact of these diseases on the human body and strategies to limit and prevent their spread.

Unit 6 and 7: Antimicrobial resistance

In these two modules, we explore the historical origins of antibiotics and the processes involved in their production, including Biotechnology, Screening, and fermenters. The principles of antibiotic treatment, their mechanisms, and common uses are discussed. Specific infections like MRSA, E.Coli, C-difficile, HIV, Salmonella, TB, fungal infections like Ringworm, and parasitic infections like Malaria are examined in detail. The module addresses the growing resistance of microbes to antibiotics, particularly in hospitals, discussing the reasons, mechanisms, and the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance.

Unit 8: Legislation

This module provides a summary of the history of public health reform in Britain, emphasising the impact of legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act, on infection control practices. It explores how legislation is interpreted within specific environments to maintain infection control. The module addresses the challenges posed by outbreaks like E. coli concerns and Foot and Mouth disease, highlighting the economic impact. It discusses the growth of diseases like TB due to movement and migration. The importance of vaccination, particularly in children, is covered, drawing attention to the rise of Whooping Cough when MRNA vaccination rates declined. The module also delves into organisational policies, procedures, and individual roles and responsibilities in maintaining infection control, including the proper disposal of hazardous waste.

Unit 9: Risk assessment

This module covers the identification and assessment of hazards, including evaluating their potential harm and associated risks. It explains how risks are recorded, addressed, and reviewed to align with relevant legislation and codes of practice. The discussion extends to strategies for managing potential risks to individuals, particularly in elder care. Roles and responsibilities for risk management are explored, citing real-world examples like the Ebola spread trial in the UK. The module also addresses employer obligations regarding training, policies, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of risks in the workplace.

Unit 10: Collection and transportation of samples in infection control

This module covers the safe and proper collection of samples for infection testing. It explores common laboratory tests for blood (e.g., C-reactive protein), urine (e.g., Diabetes test), and culture samples (e.g., Gram-stain tests for bacteria). The module concludes with a discussion on the proper disposal of biological waste, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of infection testing procedures.