Infection prevention and control - Debbie Weston

The high media profile given to topics such as MRSA,Clostridium difficile, dirty hospitals and poor compliance with hand hygiene, has forced the subject of infection prevention and control into the public arena. It has become a high priority for the NHS as an organisation and all healthcare staff involved in patient care.

Infection prevention and control as a speciality is complex, fascinating and challenging, encompassing not only clinical practice issues in relation to patient care but also the infection control aspects of the environment, together with the health and safety of members of the public and healthcare workers. It is therefore essential that healthcare professionals have a firm grasp of both the principles of infection control, which they can relate to clinical practice and the current issues.

Infection Prevention and Control is divided into three sections:

Part one

Sets the scene; describes the history of infection control; introduces basic microbiology and virology, including a description of the role of the microbiology laboratory and the collection of specimens for investigation; introduces the function of the immune system, the immune response and the nature and pathogenesis of infection.

Part two

Looks at the principles and practice of infection prevention and control in relation to universal precautions; types of healthcare associated infection; issues around decontamination; management of invasive devices; hand hygiene and the problem of antimicrobial resistance.

Part three

Examines in depth some of the common healthcare associated infections, such as Meticillin
resistant Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic resistant coliforms, along with other prolific infections of major concern to healthcare workers such as Tuberculosis, CJD and Pandemic Influenza.

Infection Prevention and Control is a valuable and comprehensive text that equips healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge base.