Use of Learning Outcomes in the Teaching of Infection Control

1. Use of Learning Outcomes in the Teaching of Infection Control Background: The challenge for health care practitioners today, is to prevent healthcare associated infections. In order to understand the management and prevention of infection, we must be able to understand the principles of infection control. • Purpose of Learning Outcomes • To clarify major learning points • To assist educators to select a range of appropriate learning strategies • To ensure that appropriate assessment strategies are deployed • To help students understand what is expected of them (Otter, 1992) • Purpose of Learning Outcomes: • To classify major learning points • of modules • To assist educators to select a range • of appropriate learning strategies • To ensure that appropriate assessment • strategies are deployed • To help students to understand what • is expected of them (Otter, 1992) Evaluation Synthesis Analysis Application Understanding Knowledge (Bloom, 1956) Learning Outcomes: Appreciate the nature, structure and differences of micro-organisms. Describe the methods used to classify living organisms and the factors that influence their growth. Differentiate between the significance of infection and prevention of infection in a health care environment. Describe the links in the chain of infection and the high standards of care required to break the chain of infection. Appraise the risks, resource consuption, cost and related individual and/or organizational implications associated with infection. Explain surveillance and other assessment monitoring activities including the role of the infection control team. Apply research evidence to develop and implement strategies to prevent infection in a hospital / residential care setting. Manage and respond to an outbreak of infection in a hospital / residential care setting. Outline an understanding of the key concepts underpinning the control of infections relating to MRSA, HIV , AIDS, STI’s and Hepatitis B. Perform a surgical dressing using an asceptic technique. Teresa Wills, MSc, BNS (Hons), RM, RGN, College Lecturer, Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork.