1. The course aims to provide students of non-medical healthcare fields with a comprehensive understanding of the basic biological characteristics of microorganisms that are epidemiologically relevant to healthcare (including their growth dynamics, resilience, formation of biofilms and endospores, and their survival on inanimate surfaces), in order to clarify why these properties contribute to the emergence and persistence of healthcare-associated infections. It further seeks to develop learners' insight into antimicrobial resistance and the impact of improper use of antibiotics and disinfectants, and to relate these microbiological concepts to practical infection prevention and control measures, with particular emphasis on the role of nurses and other healthcare staff in reducing the risk of transmission in clinical settings. 2. The course aims to equip students of non-medical healthcare fields with an in depth understanding of the human microbiome and microbial biofilms, particularly their role in the pathogenesis of healthcare associated infections, by explaining the distinction between commensal, opportunistic and primary pathogens and the mechanisms by which biofilm communities form, persist and become clinically significant on tissues and medical devices. 3. The course aims to provide students of non-medical healthcare fields with a clear understanding of how infectious agents are transmitted in healthcare settings by explaining the chain of infection, the main reservoirs, portals of exit and entry, and the principal routes of spread, including the distinction between colonisation and infection and the key host and pathogen factors that influence susceptibility and disease occurrence. 4. The course aims to familiarise students of non-medical healthcare fields with the epidemiology, clinical impact and preventability of healthcare associated infections in Europe, drawing on ECDC surveillance data to illustrate the burden, main types of HAI (including device associated infections, ICU acquired infections and surgical site infections), and the contribution of antimicrobial resistance to patient outcomes and health system costs. 5. The course aims to provide students of non-medical healthcare fields with a clear conceptual understanding of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance, including the mechanisms by which bacteria and other microorganisms develop intrinsic and acquired resistance, the emergence of multidrug resistant strains, and the clinical, economic and public health consequences of failing to control this process at individual, institutional and population levels. It further seeks to strengthen the ability to contribute to antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention in practice by promoting prudent use of antibiotics, rigorous hygiene and cross transmission control, engagement with national and EU AMR targets and One Health strategies, and active participation of healthcare workers in local programmes that prevent healthcare associated infections and limit the spread of resistant organisms. 6. The course aims to equip students of non-medical healthcare fields with a thorough understanding of barrier nursing as a core infection control strategy, explaining how appropriate selection and use of personal protective equipment, isolation measures, environmental hygiene, waste management and incident management together create effective barriers that limit transmission of infectious agents and multidrug resistant organisms in diverse care settings. 7. The course aims to educate students of non-medical healthcare fields (especially nursing students) on integrating evidence based infection prevention strategies into the nursing process, with a focus on minimising healthcare associated infections during high risk procedures such as vascular catheter insertion and care, urinary catheterisation, wound management, surgical site monitoring, ventilator support and gastrointestinal infection control.
Upon completion of this course, students will acquire the following key competencies: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the biological characteristics of epidemiologically relevant microorganisms in healthcare, including growth dynamics, resilience, biofilm and endospore formation, and surface survival, and explain their role in the emergence and persistence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Analyze the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, evaluate the consequences of improper antibiotic and disinfectant use, and apply microbiological principles to evidence-based infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, emphasizing the pivotal role of nurses and healthcare staff. Distinguish between commensal, opportunistic, and primary pathogens; elucidate the pathogenesis of microbial biofilms on tissues and devices; and implement targeted IPC strategies, including environmental hygiene, antimicrobial stewardship, and emerging diagnostics/therapeutics, to mitigate biofilm-associated HAIs. Articulate the chain of infection, identify key reservoirs, portals, routes of transmission (contact, droplet, airborne, common vehicle), and risk factors (e.g., aerosol-generating procedures); and proficiently apply vaccination, hygiene, environmental controls, and standard/transmission-based precautions to interrupt transmission. Interpret ECDC surveillance data on HAI epidemiology, types (e.g., device-associated, ICU-acquired, surgical site infections), and antimicrobial resistance impacts; and utilize this evidence to advocate for European/national IPC programs, barrier nursing, and local surveillance as a nurse-led contribution to patient safety. Explain intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, multidrug-resistant strains, and their multilevel consequences; and actively contribute to antimicrobial stewardship through prudent prescribing, hygiene protocols, One Health strategies, and participation in resistance-prevention programs. Master the principles and practical application of barrier nursing, including PPE selection/use, isolation, environmental hygiene, waste/incident management, and occupational safety; and lead interprofessional implementation of standard, transmission-based, and enhanced precautions in clinical settings. Integrate evidence-based IPC into the nursing process for high-risk procedures (e.g., vascular/urinary catheterization, wound/surgical site care, ventilation); adhere to guidelines, checklists, and protocols using aseptic techniques, hand hygiene, device removal, and risk assessment to prevent HAIs like CRBSI, CAUTI, SSI, and VAP.
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