Development of a deployment infection control course.
Since the beginning of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, multidrug-resistant bacteria have been noted to be infecting and colonizing combat casualties. Studies suggest the primary source of these bacteria is nosocomial transmission. A focus area for improvement has been to enhance infection control (IC) at hospitals in the combat theater. A 5-day IC course was developed and implemented to provide just-in-time training to those personnel who have been identified to lead IC efforts while deployed. Twenty-nine students have attended the first 6 offerings of this course. A pre- and post-course test showed an average 21% improvement in knowledge. A follow-up questionnaire provided to those students who deployed found the course had enhanced performance of their IC duties. We describe the deployment-unique training developed to provide basic IC, emphasizing the unique challenges found in the combat setting.
Brooke Army Medical Center, 3851 Roger Brooke Drive, (MCHE-MDI) Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6200, USA.
Helen K
HK
Crouch
Clinton K
CK
Murray
Duane R
DR
Hospenthal
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D003479:Curriculum; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006772:Hospitals, Military / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel; D010356:Patient Isolation / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development; D014481:United States