Author Description

As evidenced by the recent outbreaks and COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is more relevant than ever. Since the first edition, there have been significant changes in IPC, with major advances in understanding disease transmission. There are additional resources such as artificial intelligence and virtual teaching platforms, that have proven useful to expand education across vast geographical areas, particularly in low-resource settings. The second edition of Understanding Infection Prevention and Control has updated chapters written by experts in the fields of microbiology, risk management, decontamination, the built environment, surveillance and outbreak management. It addresses the essential aspects of IPC structures at national and healthcare facility level to support building national programmes. Understanding Infection Prevention and Control is a comprehensive compendium of IPC that can be applied to all countries but with a particular focus on low- to middle- income countries. The text embraces the recent developments and recommendations in IPC from international authorities such as the World Health Organization. It is an ideal study and teaching tool, and will serve as a reference book for healthcare systems planners who wish to understand IPC and strengthen systems. KEY FEATURES -Explains how effective risk management can reduce healthcare-associated infection, antimicrobial resistance and length of hospital stay, and thereby reduce costs. -Provides easy-to-follow information, simplifying the subject of IPC. -Reflects recent evidence published on IPC especially in healthcare facility design and ventilation, giving the reader the most up-to-date, evidence-based information. -Is comprehensive and covers everything necessary for a post-graduate qualification in IPC, by supplementing the required reading lists.