340.641.01 HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY

Introduces the history, descriptive epidemiology, surveillance methods, and economics of exploration of the most important factors influencing nosocomial infections, especially those in pediatric and adult services. Describes and analyzes methods for control of nosocomial infection, including primary and secondary interventions. Also discusses alternative interventions and parallels between contemporary and traditional approaches in developing countries.

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to: •Introduce the principles of counting/identifying healthcare-associated infections, organisms resistant to antimicrobial agents, or organisms that are epidemiologically important.

•review their epidemiology, and the risk factors for developing colonization and infection.

•Review the data supporting important infection control and antibiotic management strategies for the types of infections and for certain epidemiologically important organisms.

•Effectively respond to questions about exposure to communicable diseases and appropriate prevention and control strategies.

•Explain the impact that healthcare associated infections have on patient safety.