Current context

The prevention of infection is central to health and wellbeing, and to the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

The rapid rise in resistance needs healthcare professionals to adjust their clinical practice and to reflect the evolving evidence and models of service provision.

This programme will prepare you for challenges directly impacting on the prevention and management of infection.

• This programme is developed by the Royal College of Nursing and it is available to members and non-members. 
• Offered fully online, including dedicated contact days plus self-paces learning. 
• Costs £1,200 +VAT 
• RCN Foundation offers different types of education grants to support the funding of your professional development.

Designed to develop clinical leadership skills in the prevention and management of infection. It is ideal for health and social care professionals with a focus on infection prevention and control, such as: 

The programme has been developed to support:

• trainee infection prevention and control nurses/practitioners in all care settings
• surveillance nurses/practitioners
• new appointee directors of infection prevention and control, with no IPC experience
• infection prevention and control practitioners who would like to refresh their knowledge and skills
• health protection practitioners
• infection prevention leads in independent care settings, such as nursing homes or GP practices
• nurses leading IPC components of NHS provider commissioning bodies
• ward managers and matrons.

This programme is designed to help you critically evaluate the knowledge and evidence that underpin infection prevention and control practices. It will support you to make informed changes in practice and empower you to lead improvements within your workplace. 

Through the programme, you will develop knowledge, skills, and understanding related to preventing infections - particularly those acquired through health and care services - and explore the impact of antibiotic resistance. 

• plan a service improvement in your workplace
• learn effective strategies to manage change in your workplace
• experience coaching as a development tool for your clinical leadership skills in prevention and management of infection.

1. Investigate the underpinning evidence in infection prevention and control to enhance service delivery at a local level. 
2. Reflect on infection prevention and control practice within the context of service improvement requirements. 
3. Create a plan that demonstrates value and addresses a key infection prevention and control issue. 
4. Identify change frameworks and leadership strategies necessary to support change in practice. 
5. Consider the implications of infection prevention and control for your continuing professional development and practice change. 

• Chain of infection and common infections 
• Basic Clinical Microbiology – Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites 
• Overview of Antimicrobial resistance 
• Introduction to surveillance 
• Critical appraisal and evidence-based IPC 
• Recognising and managing outbreaks 
• Planetary health and Sustainability in relation to IPC 
• Leading and communicating IPC  
• Assurance and regulation 
• Demonstrating value and sphere of influence 

The programme is delivered on a part-time basis. To study alongside your professional practice as part of your continuing professional development.

A range of teaching and learning methods will be used. A blended learning approach of:

• live and self-paced online teaching sessions
• online discussion
• reflection on practice
• independent study and research
• online learning materials
• work-based learning.

Assessment
There is no formal graded assessment. However, to successfully complete this programme you must achieve the minimum attendance requirements and prepare an outline of a Service Improvement Plan for peer review.

The programme is open to all staff across health and social care. RCN membership is not essential. NMC registration is not a requirement of enrolment on this programme; acceptance is subject to meeting the entry requirements below.

General requirements

• Technology access: All applicants will need access to a laptop or tablet with camera and microphone capability. A mobile phone is not suitable.

Entry

• Applicants will receive a certificate of completion; a minimum attendance rate will apply and you will be expected to prepare an outline of a Service Improvement Plan for peer review.
• No specific academic entry requirements are needed.
• English language requirements: you will need a good understanding of English.

Online live teaching sessions run on two consecutive days per month plus, an optional pre-programme introduction.

• £1,200 + VAT

VAT registered charities can claim back VAT for employees undertaking this module. 

Price includes:

• all programme materials
  
• 6 half-day online teaching sessions
  
• online educational resources
  
• 3 one-to-one coaching sessions

Fees must be paid in full in advance of the programme start date. 

FAQs

How much will it cost to take this programme?

£1,200 + VAT.

Can my organisation fund the programme on my behalf?

Yes, your organisation can fund the programme on your behalf.

Once I have expressed my interest, how many weeks do I have to complete the payment and enrolment process?

Enrolment and payment are due before the programme start date.

How long is the programme?

The module runs over a 13-week period.

The live teaching sessions are delivered on six half days. Two consecutive sessions each month. 

How much study time is needed?

You will need to commit a minimum of 35 hours study.

This includes the online teaching sessions, independent study and three hours of one-to-one coaching. 

Is coaching offered as part of this programme?

Yes, the programme includes three hours of one-to-one coaching.

Coaching is a chance to reflect, set goals, and create practical solutions to help you make real improvements in your workplace. 

Is all the learning online?

Yes, programme delivery is 100% online.

Made up of online teaching sessions and self-directed learning.

What time do the online sessions run?

Classes run 09:00–13:00* on two consecutive days each month. The introduction session runs 09:30-12:00*. *This may be subject to slight changes; participants will be notified where applicable.

How many CPD hours is this programme worth?

The programme offers 35 hours of CPD learning.

Will I be issued a certification on completion of the programme?

Yes, a certificate will be issued on successful completion of the programme.

Do I need to buy any specific equipment to undertake this module?

You will need access to a laptop or tablet with camera and microphone capability. A mobile phone is not suitable.

Is this programme suitable for newly registered nurses?

Yes, this programme is suitable for newly qualified nurses.

Do I need to be in a leadership role to join this programme?

No, you do not need to be in a leadership role to complete this programme.

We do recommend you have your line manager's support to complete this programme. To support the demands of time needed for online classes and independent study. 

Do I need any previous academic study to complete this programme? 

No previous academic study is required.

Where can I find out more?

Please visit our web page and complete the expression of interest form, or send your queries to IPCeducation@rcn.org.uk.

Will the member of staff need to take study leave from work?

Yes. Staff need to attend all six half days with study time to complete the programme.

Programme delivery is 100% online and requires a minimum of 35 CPD hours. This includes the online teaching sessions, independent study and three hours of one-to-one coaching.