Infection control in the community / Jean Lawrence, Dee May, editors ; foreword by Jennie Wilson.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Ectoparasitic infections:- Introduction--The head louse - Pediculus capitis--The crab louse/pubic louse - Phthirus pubis--The clothing/body louse - Pediculus humanus--Scabies - Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis--Conclusion--14. Wound care:- Introduction--Wound classification and the healing process--Epidemiology of wounds in the community--What is an infected wound? Microbiology of infected wounds--Assessment--Management of wounds--Specific types of wounds--15. Immunosuppressive diseases:- Introduction--The non-specific response--The specific immune response--Immunization--Immunodeficiency--Prevention of infection--16. Gastrointestinal disease:- Introduction--Quantifying the problem--What is infectious GI illness? Pathgoens emerging as public health problems--Prevention strategies--Enteric precautions--Appendix 1--17. Prisoners, travellers, the homeless and refugees:- Introduction--The prison environment--The homeless--Travellers--Refugees and immigrants--18. Travel health and immunization:- Introduction--Imported infections--Advice and prevention--Immunization for overseas travel--Specific vaccinations for travel--The returning traveller--Conclusion--19. Documentation and infection control:- Introduction--Why do we need documentation?Types of record keeping--Access to health records--Ownership and preservation of records--Quality assurance of records--Protocol/guidelines--Auditing of documentation--Why is documentation important in Infection Control?--Documentation following an incident--Documentation of an outbreak--Conclusion--20. Antibiotic resistance:- Introduction--Infection--The development of antimicrobial chemotherapy--Antimicrobial resistance--Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance--Antibiotic prescribing and use in the community--Specific antibiotic-resistant organisms--Summary--21. Tattooing and body piercing:- Introduction--History and background of tattooing and skin piercing--The law relating to these activities--Infection risks associated with tattooing and skin piercing--Procedures--Record keeping and reporting--Infection control risk assessment in studios and guidance for \'best practice\'--Notes on acupuncture and electrolysis.

1. Introduction--2. Basic microbiology:- Introduction--Historical perspective--Basic cell structure--Classification of microbes--Cell physiology--Cell genetics and reproduction--Pathogenicity--Normal flora--Infection--Patient susceptibility--Breaking the chain of infection--The infectious process--3. Public Health Function:-Introduction--What is public health?--Public health strategy--The evolution of public health--The public health agenda and communicable disease control--The role of the consultant in communicable disease control--Communicable disease control--The proper officer and the notification system--Contact tracing--Immunization--Public health and Port health--The role of the environmental health officer--The role of the community infection control nurse--Incorporating public health approaches within the nursing role--4. Epidemiology and surveillance:- Introduction--The historical perspective--The epidemiological approach--Surveillance in communicable disease and infection control--Patterns of communicable disease and information sources--Investigating and controlling an outbreak of infectious disease--The outbreak team--Key stages in the investigation and control of an outbreak--A global view of infectious disease control--5. Cleaning, disinfection and sterilization:- Introduction--Choice of decontamination method--Infection risk assessment--Sterile services for the community--Policy formulation--Decontamination prior to inspection--service and repair--Process options: moist heat sterilization--Process options: dry heat sterilization-- Process options for sterilizing heat-sensitive devices--Preparation of instruments for reuse--Process options for disinfection--Process options for disinfection: disinfectants--Environmental cleaning--Disinfection of the skin and mucous membranes--Authorized persons (sterilizers)-- Summary of methods of decontamination of equipment or environment suitable for nursing homes and other community healthcare establishments--6. Home nursing:- Introduction--Physical environment--Standard infection control precautions--Practices--Equipment for home care--7. Nurseries and schools:- Introduction--Factors influencing spread of infection--The way in which infection spreads--The prevention and control of infection--Communicable diseases--Case studies--8. Residential and nursing homes:- Introduction--Environment/facilities --Notifiable disease--Outbreak of infection--Isolation of residents--Occupational health--Standard infection control precautions--Clinical procedures--9. General Practice:- Introduction--Incidence of infection within general practice--Practice settings and staff--Basic principles in infection control--Clinical practice--Minor surgery in general practice--Conclusion--10. Health centres:- Introduction--Basic principles in infection control--Health centre environment, equipment and facilities--Podiatry--Ulcer clinics--Family planning and well woman clinics--Physiotherapy--Medical loans--Vaccination clinics -- Conclusion--11. Dental Practices:- Introduction--Protective clothing--Surgery design--Dental equipment and instruments--Conclusion--12. Pregnancy and childbirth:- Introduction--Background--Infections acquired during pregnancy, delivery or the postnatal period--Infection control--Use of antibiotics in pregnancy--Prevention and control of infection--Other infection control considerations--Infant feeding--Risk assessment--Sharp injuries--Conclusion-- 13.

This is a reference for nurses and others working in the community who are responsible for dealing with infection control issues. A multiple-author text it brings together the ideas and knowledge of some of the UK's most experienced infection control nurses.