Planning and implementation of an infection control training program for healthcare providers in Latin America.
OBJECTIVE
The lack of well-trained, dedicated infection control personnel prevents optimal control of nosocomial infections in Latin American pediatric oncology centers. We collaboratively planned and implemented a multinational training course in San Salvador, El Salvador, to address this need.


METHODS
The course relied on its organizers' experience in training international healthcare providers, the availability of the International Training Center for Nurses, previous infection control collaboration with the Hospital Nacional de Ninos Benjamin Bloom, and resources available at the University of El Salvador. The 4-week course consisted of lecture sessions combined with practical laboratory and hospital experience.


RESULTS
Two courses, one conducted in 2005 and one in 2006, trained 44 professionals from 15 Latin American countries. Evaluations showed that course content and teacher performance met the trainees' needs and that all trainees acquired the necessary knowledge and skills.


CONCLUSIONS
The course met the need for the training of Latin American infection control practitioners. Our experience can serve as a model for other organizations interested in strengthening infection control and prevention at international sites.
Caniza
Miguela A
MA
International Outreach Program, Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105-2794, USA. miguela.caniza@stjude.org
Maron
Gabriela
G
McCullers
Jonathan
J
Clara
Wilfrido A
WA
Cedillos
Rafael
R
Dueñas
Lourdes
L
Arnold
Sandra
S
Williams
Bonnie F
BF
Tuomanen
Elaine I
EI
D004544:El Salvador; D005260:Female; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D016357:Infection Control Practitioners / Q000193:education*; D007390:International Agencies; D008297:Male; D018794:Problem-Based Learning