Using Infection Control to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Syllabus

• Week 1

  The global threat of antibiotic resistance

  • Introduction to the course

    In the introductory steps of the course we will introduce the educators and give you the opportunity to let us and the other learners know what you want to get out of the course.

  • The global problem of antimicrobial resistance

    As drug-resistant strains of infectious bacteria continue to develop in this activity we investigate how good hygiene is essential in order to reduce infection.

  • Introducing microbes

    In this activity we explain what microbes and pathogens are, and the diseases they cause. We also give you opportunity to discuss your own experiences relating to infection.

• Week 2

  Combatting antibiotic resistance (general)

  • Introduction to Week 2

    This week we will look at infections in the workplace, transmission of infection and infection control.

  • Infections in the workplace

    In this activity we learn how the 18th century GP and obstetrician Alexander Gordon realised that he was the cause of infection to his patients. We then discuss the roles of those in the modern workplace to prevent infection.

  • Transmission of infection

    In the next few steps we look at how infection is actually transmitted and explore the difference between an outbreak of an infection and an epidemic.

  • Infection control

    In this activity we reinforce that disease prevention and control is much more effective than the reliance on antibiotics. We describe signs of potential outbreaks and consider our own risk of picking up or passing on infections.

• Week 3

  Combatting antibiotic resistance (personal)

  • Introduction

    In this week we will look at preventing antimicrobial infection, learn about good hand hygiene, combating antimicrobial infections and using antibiotics safely to combat infection.

  • Preventing antimicrobial infection

    In the following steps we look at standard practices for preventing and controlling infection, and we look at the role the surgeon Joseph Lister had in changing the way we think about infection.

  • Good hand hygiene

    We all know that washing our hands thoroughly is essential to stop the spread of infection, but this is not always adhered to. In the following steps we investigate why.

  • Combating antimicrobial infections

    In this activity we look at how good surveillance data lies at the heart of managing epidemics. We also explore the potential side effects of vaccines.

  • Using antibiotics safely to combat infection

    In this activity we look at why is it important to finish a course of antibiotics.

  • End of course summary

    In this final activity of the week we test what you have learnt from the course, and give you the opportunity to discuss the topics covered.

Who will you learn with?