Module 1: Applied and Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Stewardship

• Basic aspects of anatomy and physiology of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
• Mechanisms of transmission of microorganisms
• Interpretation of laboratory results
• Minimum requirements of laboratory support for clinical services, including IPC
• Defense mechanisms of pathogens and the required precautions when dealing with resistant organisms
• Antimicrobial resistance
• The role of IPC in preventing the spread of antimicrobial resistance
• Antimicrobial stewardship (basics)
• Case studies and problem solving

Module 2: Surveillance Research

• Fundamentals of surveillance methods for healthcare-associated infections (HAI)
• Role of the laboratory in HAI surveillance
• Identification and management of outbreaks
• Healthcare-associated vs community outbreaks
• Database to manage IPC information
• Calculation of basic bio statistical data
• Effective IPC

Module 3: Risk Management and Safe Practices in IPC 

• How IPC is structured and implemented in healthcare
• Core Components of IPC
• Risk management in IPC
• Risk mitigation strategies
• Standard precautions
• Transmission based precautions and isolation of patients
• IPC Bundles to prevent healthcare-associated infections
• Hand hygiene
• Environmental cleaning

Module 4: Decontamination: Rendering Patient and Processing Equipment Safe

• Minimum requirements for the decontamination of patient care articles
• Understand the decontamination cycle
• Validation of decontamination processes
• Minimum requirements of a disinfection policy

Module 5: Improving Hospital Design and Environment

• Best designs for IPC in low to middle-income countries
• Influence of disease profile on hospital design
• Role of IPC in renovation or new building projects
• The role of water and sanitation on infrastructure design
• How the layout of a healthcare facility can contribute to adherence to IPC processes
• Ventilation requirements for different areas