A joint Nordic interdisciplinary education programme in infection control: a successful, but short-lived initiative

Abstract

Introduction: Prevention of healthcare-associated infections and a restrictive antibiotics policy in the Nordic countries have contributed to a low prevalence of multi-drug resistant microorganisms, compared to many other countries. This requires professional competences acquired through education in infection control, both in hospitals and in primary health care.

Methods: This paper describes a joint Nordic Interdisciplinary Education Programme in infection control, established at the Nordic School of Public Health NHV (NHV) in 2007.

Results: The education programme was considered highly relevant and successful by students and their employers.

Conclusions: The paper describes the background and contents of the programme, which may serve as inspiration in the development of future educational initiatives in other countries.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Nordic countries; core competencies; education programme; infection control; interdisciplinary education; public health policy.