Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

The Student
- understands comprehensively the basics of infection prevention in various nursing environments
- knows the microbial groups that are essential to health and is able to apply knowledge in maintaining health and preventing illness
- is able to apply and evaluate the principles of aseptic work in different nursing environments and is able to justify the activity with evidence-based practice

Content (course unit)

- essential microbes in nursing, their transmission vectors
- basic concepts of asepsis and microbiology
- the role of microbes in the prevention of infections and the growth of microbes
- aseptic work in different nursing environments
- the importance of personal and hand hygiene in aseptic working
- different types of protection and using them properly
- use of the conventional precautions and different isolation measures in nursing care
- treatment-related infections and their prevention
- documentation of infection control in nursing

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student
- knows the basics of infection prevention
- recognizes the microbial groups that are essential for health and knows the basics of their spreading
- is able to work according to aseptic principles without endangering patient safety.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student
- has a structured picture of the basics of infection prevention
- knows the microbial groups that are essential for health and understands the importance of their spreading in maintaining health and preventing illness
- is able to work according to aseptic principals and justify their activities

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student
- understands comprehensively the basics of infection prevention in various nursing environments
- knows the microbial groups that are essential to health and is able to apply knowledge in maintaining health and preventing illness
- is able to apply and evaluate the principles of aseptic work in different nursing environments and is able to justify the activity with evidence-based practice.

Location and time

Autumn 2022.
The lectures are planned to be held in person at TAMK. This is subject to change in pressing circumstances.

Exam schedules

The first exam for both topics separately is arranged in the exam environment

Aseptics
- initial exam: 19.9.-30.9.2022
- re-exam 1: October 2022
- re-exam 2: November 2022
70% correct = pass

Microbiology
- initial exam: 19.9.-30.9.2022
- re-exam 1: October 2022
- re-exam 2: November 2022
50% correct = pass

Assessment methods and criteria

The written exam is completed in two parts: aseptics and microbiology.
To pass the microbiology exam, the student must get 50% correct.
To pass the aseptics exam, the students must get 70% correct.
The are graded on a scale of 0-5.
The student should:
know the basics of infection control and prevention
recognise the most common microbes and the ways these are transmitted
have good understanding of the aseptic working manners and principles of aseptics
know how to use evidence-based knowledge in infection control in nursing

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Aseptics and microbiology
Possible study and teaching methods include: lectures, workshops, group work, independent study, virtual learning environment, final written exam on both subjects

Learning materials

Please review the following recommended reading in addition to materials distributed by the teacher.

Aseptics:
Ross, Shona ; Furrows, Sarah. 2014. Rapid infection control nursing. Wiley Blackwell. e-book https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/

Weston, Debbie, Burgess, Alison, Roberts, Sue, 2017. Infection prevention and control at a glance. John Wiley and Sons, Ltd 2017. E-book Central.

McCann.2014.Publisher John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.e-book.Part 1: Common Principles Underlying Medical and Surgical Nursing Practice.

Wilson, Jennie. 2009. Infection Control in Clinical Practice. Elservier Limited.
Yoost, B.L. & Lynne, R. 2015. Clinical Companion for Fundamentals of Nursing : Active Learning for Collaborative Practice. Crawford Publisher. Chapter 22: Asepsis and infection control. e-book.

Microbiology:
Stuart Hogg, 2013. Essential Microbiology.(pages 3-4, 101-108, 243-245, 375-401, 421-424)

Murray, Patrick R. kirjoittaja. Rosenthal, Ken S., kirjoittaja.; Pfaller, Michael A.
2016. Medical microbiology. e-book

Student workload

The course has two parts, aseptics and microbiology, 1 ECTS each.
The coutse includes contact teaching, group work, independent study, for 2 ECTS in total 54 hours of student work.
Orientation lectures are mandatory.

Content scheduling

Aseptics 1cr
Microbiology 1cr

Completion alternatives

NA

Practical training and working life cooperation

NA

International connections

NA

Further information

Contents of the course:
- the most common/essential microbes and the ways of transmission and spreading
- basic concepts of the aseptic working
- aseptic working manner:
- personal hygiene in health care environment
- hand hygiene in health care environment
- protective equipment and clothing
- the most common precautions in infection control
- isolation protocols
- hospital acquired infections
- prevention of the hospital acquired infections