Infection prevention and control: key principles 

This course explores the key principles of infection prevention and control in all settings where patient care is delivered. Through realistic clinical scenarios and practical guidance, it supports health professionals to apply effective infection control measures, reduce the risk of transmission, and understand the key principles of safe patient care.

  • 2 hours

    Estimated learning time

  • Case studies

    Practice-based scenarios

  • Certificate

    Awarded on completion

  • Pre & post questions

    Track your learning

Learning objectives


After studying this course you should be able to:

  • Summarise the factors that increase patients’ risk of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) 
  • Explain the process of antimicrobial resistance 
  • List the five moments for hand hygiene 
  • Describe the principles of standard precautions and transmission-based precautions 
  • Explain the principles of environmental cleaning and decontamination 
  • Describe the principles of safe management of invasive devices 
The discussion areas within each module provide an opportunity to reflect on the content, share experiences from practice, and learn from other health professionals. Taking part in discussions can help support participatory learning as part of your CPD activity.

Course author

Neil Wigglesworth is deputy director, infection prevention and control, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust, London, and president of the Infection Prevention Society.

This course is funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Medipal.

All Nursing Times courses are written by expert nurses and double-blind peer reviewed.

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Last updated 2018
Disclaimer
Healthcare knowledge is constantly changing and we have taken reasonable care to ensure that the content included in this is accurate and up to date at the time it was created. Nursing Times courses are provided for general reference and learning purposes only: they cannot of course take account of individual circumstances and should not therefore be relied upon on their own in connection with administering medicines or providing treatment. We strongly advise users to confirm that the information provided, especially with regard to drug usage, complies with all current legislation and standards of practice. By proceeding to access this course you confirm your acceptance of, and agreement to, these terms.