Infection control and prevention

Additional topics in microbiology and hospital hygiene

The additional microbiology course mainly aims to strengthen pharmacists' knowledge in order to support their role in antibiotic therapy.
Targeted, probabilistic and empirical antimicrobial treatments are based on laboratory results obtained from microbiological diagnostic tests. It is therefore important to understand their limitations and complexity. The course provides a critical review of the pre-analytical and analytical aspects of microbiological diagnosis.
The mechanisms involved in the acquisition and transmission of antibiotic resistance genes are briefly reviewed. The principles of appropriate antibiotic use, as well as the factors influencing antibiotic prescribing, are also discussed.
A specific section is dedicated to the formation and characteristics of biofilms, which are particularly important in the hospital environment and in infections associated with medical devices.
Finally, the main characteristics, infections and preventive measures related to Legionella spp., an important pathogen to control in the hospital environment, are briefly reviewed.

 


The prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is an essential part of quality and safety in healthcare, for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Hospital hygiene plays a major role in this field. Its aim is to prevent and control healthcare-associated infections by involving all healthcare professionals in common priorities and objectives. A significant proportion of these infections can be prevented through the appropriate application of infection prevention and control measures.

Hospital hygiene is a multidisciplinary field combining clinical, microbiological and epidemiological knowledge. It also covers the organisation of healthcare, the management of the hospital environment and the protection of healthcare professionals.

It includes:

• the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections;
• epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation;
• antibiotic resistance and the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms;
• the protection of patients and healthcare professionals;
• the organisation of healthcare and the implementation of preventive measures;
• the management of infection risks related to the hospital environment, including water, air, surfaces, linen and waste;
• the management of medical devices;
• continuous improvement of healthcare quality and safety.

• legislation and the organisation of hospital hygiene in Belgium;
• legal and medico-legal aspects of healthcare-associated infections;
• basic concepts of antibiotic resistance;
• the emergence and control of multidrug-resistant microorganisms;
• key principles of infection prevention and the protection of healthcare professionals;
• improvement of healthcare quality and patient safety;
• methods for epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation;
• the development and implementation of infection control measures;
• the control of environmental sources of infection;
• quality indicators in infection prevention and control;
• basic principles of disinfection and sterilisation.
  
  

Sterilisation and disinfection

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Additional topics in microbiology and hospital hygiene

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• understand the microbiological principles needed for the management of antibiotic therapy and antimicrobial stewardship;
  
  
• understand and explain the impact of antibiotic pressure on the emergence and selection of bacterial resistance;
  
  
• apply their knowledge of hospital hygiene and infection prevention and control;
  
  
• develop analytical, critical thinking and summarising skills when dealing with hospital hygiene issues.
  
  

Sterilisation and disinfection

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Sterilisation and disinfection

Master in Pharmacy included different specific courses as microbiology, pharmacology and quality assurance

Sterilisation and disinfection

Lectures,
Questions and answers during and following lectures
Illustration by a didactic visit of the central sterilisation department of the University Hospital of Liege

Additional topics in microbiology and hospital hygiene

Blended learning


Further information:

face-to-face, podcasts

Sterilisation and disinfection

Blended learning


Further information:

Face to face

Printed version of slide shows distributed before lecture and availability of an electronic version

Additional topics in microbiology and hospital hygiene

Further information:

The following reference books help students better understand the topics covered in the course and broaden their knowledge:

• Hugo and Russell's Pharmaceutical Microbiology - S. Denyer, N. Hodges, S. Gorman and B. Gilmore. 8th edition, Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.
  
  
• Microbial Quality Assurance in Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Toiletries - R. Baird and S. F. Bloomfield. Taylor & Francis, 1996.
  
  
• Bactériologie médicale - F. Denis, M.-C. Ploy, C. Martin, E. Bingen, R. Quentin et al. 3rd edition, Masson, Paris, 2016.
  
  

Sterilisation and disinfection

Further information:

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Additional topics in microbiology and hospital hygiene

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )

Written work / report


Further information:

Written examination, as well as a written assignment and an oral presentation for the hospital hygiene part of the course.

Sterilisation and disinfection

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )


Further information:

Written exams in january

Sterilisation and disinfection

 None

Additional topics in microbiology and hospital hygiene

Secrétariat : Stéphanie Wauquier

Stephanie.Wauquier@chuliege.be

Sterilisation and disinfection

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