Infection Control in Clinical Practice

by Jennie Wilson PhD MSc BSc(Hons) RGN MFPH(Hon) (Editor)

Overview

Comprehensive and accessible guide for clinicians
Since it was first published in the 1990s, Infection Control in Clinical Practice has become the primary resource for all clinicians needing to prevent and control healthcare associated infections.

This comprehensive guide covers the underpinning principles of microbiology, infection, immunology and epidemiology, then shows how to apply these principles for evidence-based infection prevention and control (IPC) advice and guidance in the clinic. The book has been fully updated in its fourth edition to incorporate the latest research on new and emerging issues.

The clear and concise explanations in this book make it suitable for all clinicians needing to apply IPC principles in their work, including nursing and medical staff, allied health professionals, IPC practitioners and clinical scientists.

• Comprehensive guide to key principles – all clearly linked to clinical practice
• Clearly written and accessible for nurses, allied health professionals and infection control specialists
• Relevant to both hospital and community settings
• Heavily referenced with the latest research – an ideal resource for evidence-based practice
• Covers the science underpinning IPC, including microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, immunology and epidemiology
• Includes a wide range of important pathogens
• Presents the fundamental components of IPC programmes, including risk management, surveillance, outbreak management, motivating behaviour change, and quality improvement
• Covers the principles of cleaning, disinfection and sterilization, including the application of new technologies such as UV and HPV and special problems such as linen and flexible endoscopes

• Information about new and emerging pathogens
• The role of IPC in controlling greenhouse gas emissions and equipment reuse and recycling
• New concepts in transmission-based precautions and their practical application in healthcare settings
• New chapter on managing water and ventilation in healthcare settings and the role of IPC in built environment
• New technologies for decontamination

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780443114052
Publisher:	Elsevier Health Sciences
Publication date:	04/12/2026
Edition description:	4th ed.
Pages:	456
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Jennie Wilson has a first degree in microbiology, a Master’s in Public Health, PhD in surveillance of healthcare associated infection (HCAI) and is a registered nurse. She has 30 years’ experience in infection prevention & control (IPC), has worked as a senior IPC practitioner in NHS Trusts in London and was a key player in establishing the first national surveillance programmes on HCAI in England.

Table of Contents

Foreword. Introduction to Microbiology. Understanding the Microbiology Laboratory. The Epidemiology of Infection. The Immune System and the Immunocompromised Patient. A Guide to Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. Microorganisms and their Control. The Central Principles of Infection Control. Preventing Wound Infection. Preventing Infection associated with Intravascular Therapy. Preventing Infection associated with Urethral Catheters. Preventing Infection of the Respiratory Tract. Preventing Gastrointestinal Infection: the principles of food hygiene. Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization. Management of the Infectious Patient. Ectoparasitic infections and environmental infestations.
Appendix 1: A Policy for the Decontamination of Equipment. Appendix 2: Routes of transmission and isolation precautions for common infections. Appendix 3: An isolation policy. Glossary. Index.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Comprehensive and accessible guide for clinicians

Editorial Reviews

It is a great reference book for those with a special interest in infection control. Emergency nurses will find it a handy text to keep up to date with current policy and practice. Students will appreciate its long reference lists and its application to day-to-day nursing practice.
This third edition is a valuable resource for everyone.

Accident and Emergency Nursing 2007

"I found this book interesting, informative and easy to read"

Louise Keightley, Ward Manager. Nursing & Therapies News, October 2007

From the Publisher