HYGIENE, HOSPITAL HYGIENE and Infectious Diseases 1

Module IGIENE

Dublin Descriptor 1 – Knowledge and understanding

At the end of the module, the student knows the general principles of Hygiene and prevention, the main health-related factors and the epidemiological foundations useful for understanding public health issues.
The student also knows the general epidemiology of the main infectious and non-infectious diseases, as well as the principles of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.

Dublin Descriptor 2 – Applying knowledge and understanding

The student is able to identify the main health risk and protective factors and interpret them in relation to disease prevention in the population and in healthcare settings.
The student can apply epidemiological and preventive concepts to the analysis of simple health situations, understanding the nurse’s role in health protection and promotion.

Dublin Descriptor 3 – Making judgements

The student is able to formulate reasoned judgements on the importance of prevention strategies and on the significance of behaviours that protect or damage health.
The student can critically assess the relationship between risk factors, lifestyles and the occurrence of the main infectious and chronic-degenerative diseases.

Dublin Descriptor 4 – Communication skills

The student is able to clearly and appropriately explain the concepts of Hygiene, epidemiology and prevention, using correct terminology in the professional setting.
The student can communicate simple health education and prevention messages to patients, families and colleagues.

Dublin Descriptor 5 – Learning skills

The student develops the ability to integrate the contents of the module with other biomedical and nursing courses and with practical training activities.
The student is able to use teaching materials, information sheets and simple epidemiological data to consolidate and autonomously update his/her knowledge.

The module is delivered through lectures.
Teaching activities are aimed at the systematic presentation of theoretical contents and guided discussion of applied examples in healthcare and public health settings.

Basic knowledge of biology, physiology, microbiology and general pathology is useful, as well as introductory notions of scientific methodology and descriptive statistics.

Attendance in the classroom is mandatory at 70%, or as per the regulations of the Higher Bodies.

• General principles of Hygiene and prevention.
• Health-related factors and main determinants of health.
• General epidemiology of infectious diseases.
• Epidemiology and prevention strategies of the main infectious diseases.
• Epidemiology and prevention strategies of the main non-infectious and chronic-degenerative diseases.
• Defence mechanisms against infectious diseases.
• Primary prevention of infectious diseases: general prophylaxis, immunoprophylaxis and vaccinations.
• Secondary and tertiary prevention; health education and health promotion.

Learning assessment takes place within the integrated course examination and is aimed at verifying knowledge of the general principles of Hygiene, epidemiology and prevention strategies for the main infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Assessment takes into account correctness of contents, the ability to connect the different topics covered, and the appropriate use of technical language.
Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.

Epidemiological studies

Transmission of infectious diseases

Vaccine prevention

Health education

Secondary prevention