Using Infection Control to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Find out how effective infection control in health and social care can tackle the global risk of antimicrobial resistance.
Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
3 hours
Using Infection Control to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
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Get practical guidance on infection control in health and social care settings
This online course will explore the growing problem of antimicrobial-resistant infections in health and social care settings.
You’ll find out how infectious diseases are acquired and spread, and how this contributes to the global risk of antimicrobial resistance.
The course will enable you to understand why effective infection control measures will allow us to combat the growing problem of antimicrobial resistant infections. It will also offer practical guidance on how to protect patients, clients and residents from acquiring healthcare-associated infections.
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.
When would you like to start?
Date to be announced
Add to Wishlist to be emailed when new dates are announced
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Describe the growing global problem of antimicrobial resistance and its significance in a health and social care settings
- Discuss how infections and antimicrobial resistance can be acquired and spread in health and social care settings
- Discuss the microbiological aspects of antimicrobial infection
- Identify, develop and design practical steps to protect, patients, residents, clients and health/social care staff from infections
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for health and social care professionals who are involved in the day-to-day care of clients, residents and patients.
Who will you learn with?
I am a Professor of Microbiology Education and Engagement with a keen interest in the growing problem of Antimicrobial Resistance.
Who developed the course?
UEA (University of East Anglia)
The University of East Anglia is an internationally renowned university providing top quality academic, social and cultural facilities to over 15,000 students from over 100 countries around the globe.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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