Patient isolation: transmission-based precautions 

This course explores the management of adults presenting with an infection that requires transmission-based precautions, including isolation in a single room. Through realistic clinical scenarios and practical guidance, it supports health professionals to implement appropriate infection control measures, manage isolation safely and effectively, and understand the key principles of preventing the spread of infection.

  • 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:

  • List common infectious alert organisms and conditions that may require the patient to be isolated in a single room 
  • Explain the different reasons for isolating a patient 
  • Describe the key principles of transmission-based precautions 
  • Compare and contrast aspects of the different types of transmission-based precautions 
  • Describe the psychosocial impact isolation may have on patients and their carers/relatives 
  • Describe the key strategies needed to effectively manage patients with infections requiring isolation 
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

Andrea Denton, senior lecturer, University of Huddersfield and a member of the Education and Professional Development Committee (EPDC) of the Infection Prevention Society (IPS); Maria Bennallick, lecturer, University of Plymouth ; Amanda Miskell, acting head of infection prevention and control, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership Foundation Trust; Suzanne Morris, independent consultant nurse, infection prevention and control; Zoe Zawayira, infection prevention and control nurse, Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group. 

Updated by Andrea Denton (independent nurse consultant) and EPDC co-ordinator, IPS. 

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

Ⓒemap. All rights reserved.

Last updated 2019
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.