Introduction

At the end of this module, the learner will be able to:

• Describe the adverse health and economic consequences of healthcare-associated infections.
• Summarize how surveillance of healthcare-associated infections is performed and how these data can be used for local quality-improvement activities.
• Discuss how public reporting of healthcare-associated infection data is being implemented and used by healthcare consumers and payers.

Device Associated Infections

At the end of this module, the learner will be able to:

• Describe the pathogenesis of CLABSI, CAUTI and VAP.
• List the most effective strategies to prevent CLABSI, CAUTI and VAP.
• Explain the difference between surveillance definitions for device-associated infections and the clinical syndromes, and explain why the difference exists.

Multidrug-Resistant Organisms: MRSA, CRE, VRE, ESBL

At the end of this module, the learner will be able to:

• State the definition of multidrug resistance, common mechanisms of resistance, and identify organisms which are typically classified as Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs).
• Compare and contrast the differences in resistance testing conducted using phenotypic and genotypic methods.
• Identify the impact of common Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) in the care of hospitalized patients.
• Describe the differences between vertical and horizontal transmission, and discuss the interventions that prevent the emergence and spread of MDROs.

C. difficile

At the end of this module, the learner will be able to:

• Summarize risk factors for C. difficile infection
• Discuss testing strategies for detecting C. difficile infection including limitations and factors which may impact testing outcomes
• Describe transmission-based precautions and environmental cleaning practices to prevent the spread of C. difficile 

Surgical Site Infections

At the end of this module, the learner will be able to:

• Define the frequency and impact of SSI.
• Describe the epidemiology and risk factors of SSI.
• Identify prevention strategies especially as they impact physicians in training.