Abstract

This paper describes an educational intervention which investigated situated learning using opinion leaders, as a means of improving and developing infection control knowledge and practice amongst the staff of a renal unit within a large general hospital in the United Kingdom (UK). The paper briefly describes the nature and cost of the problems health care associated infections (HCAI) poses to health services in the UK. It also criticises infection control education, claiming that it has historically relied upon pedagogic and didactic teaching methods and that no single educational intervention previously attempted has produced a sustained improvement in infection control practice. The paper will discuss the theories underpinning the intervention study, and the methods used in its implementation. Results from the empirical research will be presented, discussed and considered with regard to recognised learning and infection control theory. Conclusions and recommendations for future research and practice will be made based upon this discussion.