title: Planning and implementation of an infection control training program for healthcare providers in Latin America.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: International Outreach Program, Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105-2794, USA. miguela.caniza@stjude.org
authors.forename: Miguela A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Caniza
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maron
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCullers
authors.forename: Wilfrido A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Clara
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cedillos
authors.forename: Lourdes
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dueñas
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: Bonnie F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Elaine I
authors.initials: EI
authors.lastname: Tuomanen
mesh_terms: 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