Abstract Title: Developing and implementing the first Masters in Infection Control Program in the Arabian Gulf: The Alfaisal Experience

Theme: Educational Environments

Authors

Abiola Senok*
Fahad Alrabiah**
Suliman AlJumaah**
Atef Shibl*
Khaled Alkattan*

Institutions

*Alfaisal University
**King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center

Currently 4.00/5

Rating: 4.0/5 (1 vote cast)

Background

Hospital acquired infections is a global challenge & infection control is crucial to address this problem

Advanced training for infection control preventionists (ICPs) in the Arabian Gulf region is limited
- no locally developed graduate programs

To address this gap in the training of ICPs & ensure capacity building:
- Masters program in Infection Control was developed at the College of Medicine, Alfaisal, University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

more detail

Summary of Work

Needs assessment/ market survey: to assess the justification for graduate training for ICPs

Curriculum design- Benchmarks:
Standards of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC)

International graduate programs
Local needs: recommendations of educational regulatory authorities

Program development committee:
- Multidisciplinary: Experts in Infection control, Microbiology, Infectious diseases, Epidemiology & Biostatistics
- Multiple stakeholders: Alfaisal University, KFSH&RC & Ministry of Health

more detail

Summary of Results

High degree of interest from ICPs in particular those with:
- Infection control diploma from MOH KSA
- Credits in modules from international programs

Needs:
- Graduate program with advanced training in theoretical knowledge, skills competencies & research capability

Program design ethos:
- Two-year full time program
- Student-centered learning approach
- Critical thinking & problem solving skills
- Clinical competency attachment
- Research

Courses:

Subject courses: Themes based on APIC competency domains
- Basic science for infection prevention & control
- Contemporary Infection prevention & control strategies
- Managing an infection control program

Core courses: For all graduate programs
- Ethics; Biostatistics; Research methodology

Research thesis

Table below shows the distribution of credit hours

Course	Compulsory	Elective	Total
Core	9	-	9
Subject	18		18
Research Thesis	18	-	18
Total	45	-	45

National accreditation obtained:
- Ministry of Education
- Saudi Commission for Health Specialties

more detail

Conclusion

The Alfaisal University experience in developing the first Masters program in Infection Control in the region highlights the important areas in curriculum development and implementation strategy

Similar programs are needed to ensure capacity building in the field of infection prevention in the region

Summary of Results

The curriculum designed for this program is in line with international standards and ensures that students achieve important core competencies defined by international accreditation agencies for infection prevention specialists
In the first year of the program, 75% of the course content is geared towards building important theoretical foundations. To enable students begin applying these concepts learnt, 25% of course content is comprised of practical exercises.
The second year is heavily practical oriented with 75% of the contact allocated to hands-on experience in the healthcare setting. Students will attain a number of core competencies under supervision
Students will carry out a research project and submit a thesis for graduation

Graduates from this program will be prepared to work as infection prevention specialists in healthcare settings at an advanced level. They will have achieved the competencies for developing and leading infection prevention programs in healthcare facilities