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 Understa
nding Knowledge (Bloom, 1956)

Learning Outcomes Appreciate the nature,
structure and differences of micro-organisms. Desc
ribe 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, STIs 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.