Authors:
Nancy Evans, BS
Lauren Robertson, BA, MPT
Contact hours: 1
Expiration date: April 1, 2024
Course price: $10
Course Summary
The very nature of healthcare settings makes them vulnerable to the spread of infections because they serve patients who are ill and are therefore susceptible hosts. Patients with altered immunity such as people with cancer or HIV/AIDS are at high risk for infection. Surgical patients are at risk because any incision creates a new portal of entry for pathogens. Elderly patients may have weakened immunity simply because of their age. Healthcare workers are themselves at risk of infection because of their close daily contact with patients who may harbor pathogens. Thus, infection control (and breaking the chain of infection) is a primary component of safe, effective patient care.
The following course information applies to occupational therapy professionals:
- Target Audience: Occupational Therapists, OTAs
- Instructional Level: Intermediate
- Content Focus: Category 1—Domain of OT, Client Factors
Criteria for Successful Completion
Study the course material, achieve a score of 80% or higher on the post test (the post test can be repeated if a learner scores less than 80%), complete the course evaluation, and pay where required. No partial credit will be awarded.
Accreditation
To find specific accreditations or approvals, click here.
Course Objectives
When you finish this course you will be able to:
- Describe the 6 components of the chain of infection.
- Discuss 3 host factors that affect the spread of infection.
- Describe 5 common prevention strategies used to break the chain of infection.