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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Infection Control 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
73613  Postgraduate Diploma in Infection Control 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purposes of the Post Graduate Diploma in Infection Control (PG Dip IC), are:
  • To provide an in-depth understanding of nosocomial and communicable disease pathogens, their modes of transmission and prevention of spread in the health care settings.
  • To equip students with interdisciplinary expertise in infection control including sterile services and outbreak investigation and management.
  • To orientate students in evidence based implementation of infection control practices discarding ritual and non-scientific practices.
  • To educate students in cost effective clinical practice, use of protective clothing, risk assessment of procedures and reducing the cost associated with nosocomial infection.
  • To prepare students for assessing risk of transmission to and from patients; equipment and unsafe practice.
  • To train individuals who have acquired a knowledge base that enables them to identify and help solve significant infection control problems appropriately in all health care settings.
  • To equip students to investigate and establish evidence to formulate sound health policy in quality management and infection control procedures for health facilities and the community.

    The purpose of the Post Graduate programme in Infection Control (PG DipIC) is to train health professionals as infection control practitioners and science graduates in infection control. The programme will be focused on building a cadre of competent IC practitioners at health care facility level and in management, and promote the development of a career path in IC.

    This programme will fill a specific niche in the health care delivery and quality management, and improve the quality of patient care; it will help to establish a career path in IC and will allow for further much needed development in the field of quality management.

    The ultimate goal is to ensure an evidence-based cost effective quality assurance health programme for South Africa.

    Rationalle:

    Globally, infection control is now considered important in most developed countries and is highly recommended by the WHO to prevent nosocomial transmission within health care premises health. In the UK, Directors of Infection Control have been established since 2003 to deal with the rising costs of hospital acquired infection.

    In South Africa, horizontal transmission of blood borne viruses (such as HIV) has been reported which may have been attributed to non-sterile equipment used in health care premises If this is true, then it will be imperative that well-trained infection control teams support health care practice in South Africa.

    Currently there is no formal training in infection control in South Africa barring six-month certified courses sporadically run by various institutions, the content of which varies greatly. There have been several inquiries and requests not only from the state sector but also the private sector to establish a structured Diploma in Infection Control.

    If approved, this will be the first Diploma in Infection Control in South Africa. It will be structured in modules to accommodate those interested in Infection Control originating from diverse backgrounds yet being able to specialise in various aspects such as infection control nursing, sterile services management, cost effective procurement and management of hospital systems (medical supplies, pharmacy particularly antibiotic usage, waste management and laundry). At the end of the course the participants will be able to support a cost effective infection control service and carry out robust research into the development of hospital infection surveillance and costing, a much neglected area.

    Part of the course will embrace the public health element of infection control, containment of outbreaks and early warning response to infectious disease. Nosocomial transmission of infectious diseases such as multiply-antibiotic resistant bacteria, HIV and TB may occur within health care facilities-this course should improve understanding of transmission and prevention in the future.

    If accepted the Diploma for Infection Control will ensure a high standard and quality of care for patients and in-depth understanding among those who provide the service in the health care institutions and for public health. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The University of Stellenbosch has a comprehensive policy for the recognition of prior learning.

    Access to the Qualification:

    A Bachelors degree (such as MBCh B) or equivalent (such as B Curr).

    OR

    Research in the field of infection control or communicable disease for at least 3 years, registered for a post-graduate degree.

    OR

    Currently working as an Infection Control practitioner or equivalent for a minimum of one year. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Credits; NQF Level 5; NQF Level 6; NQF Level 7; NQF Level 8:
  • Fundamental.
  • Core; NQF Level 7; 74 Credits.
  • Elective NQF Level 7; 46 Credits.

    Total: 120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Generic outcome:

    Student should be able to demonstrate:

    1. Understanding of research methodology.

    2. Capacity for self-reflective and critical thinking in problem solving.

    3. Ability to work systematically and independently in approaching and solving complex problems.

    4. Co-operate and collaborate with individuals and groups efficiently and effectively.

    5. Evidence of self development, application of knowledge and skills to improve patient care.

    Specific Outcomes:

    1. Understand crucial (basic) aspects of Infection Control.

    2. To identify risk factors associated with specific health practice.

    The student will able to demonstrate sound practice in infection control, sterile services or as an epidemiologist:

    1. Basic and intermediate knowledge relating to Infection Control and its application.

    2. Formulate simple policies relating to Infection Control and course content in their chosen field of study.

    3. Evaluate current Infection Control practices national and internationally and apply it to their field of study.

    4. Plan and present coherent projects analysing current information and practice

    The student will be able to manage a unit in infection control, sterilization department and conduct surveillance. He or she will:

    1. Be competent to manage and lead a team in Infection Control in a health care facility.

    2. Develop policies and procedures relating to their specialist field to improve quality and standards of patient care as part of a team.

    3. Understand and manage a budget and cost effective programmes in Infection Control and related specialities.

    4. Carry out effective surveillance and use such information to develop coherent and effective policy.

    5. Improve the delivery of Infection Control to the health care facility.

    6. Establish policies in conjunction with role-players which will reduce transmission of pathogens.

    7. Carry out competent research towards developing health policies relating to Infection Control and quality management.

    8. Ability to plan and construct a quality improvement circle and negotiate this with management and other decision makers.

    Graduates of the Diploma in Infection Control will specifically be able to:

    1. Work in a multi-disciplinary team in quality management with an understanding of the historical antecedents in South Africa, the socio-economic and political context and the Infection Control response to the problem.

    2. Develop a good background understanding of scientific, economic, socio; political and management process in the control of communicable diseases and hospital acquired infection.

    3. Effectively lead an Infection Control programme in a larger health quality programme.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    "Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made".
  • Refer to all the Exit-Level Outcomes.

    "Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community".
  • Refer to all the Exit-Level Outcomes.

    "Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively".
    > Refer to all the Exit-Level Outcomes.

    "Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information".
  • Refer to all the Exit-Level Outcomes.

    "Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion".
  • Refer to the following Exit-Level Outcomes:
    > The student will able to demonstrate sound practice in infection control, sterile services or as an epidemiologist:
    1. Basic and intermediate knowledge relating to Infection Control and its application.
    2. Formulate simple policies relating to Infection Control and course content in their chosen field of study.
    3. Evaluate current Infection Control practices national and internationally and apply it to their field of study.
    4. Plan and present coherent projects analysing current information and practice.

    > The student will be able to manage a unit in infection control, sterilization department and conduct surveillance. He or she will:
    1. Be competent to manage and lead a team in Infection Control in a health care facility.
    2. Develop policies and procedures relating to their specialist field to improve quality and standards of patient care as part of a team.
    3. Understand and manage a budget and cost effective programmes in Infection Control and related specialities.
    4. Carry out effective surveillance and use such information to develop coherent and effective policy.
    5. Improve the delivery of Infection Control to the health care facility.
    6. Establish policies in conjunction with role-players which will reduce transmission of pathogens.
    7. Carry out competent research towards developing health policies relating to Infection Control and quality management.
    8. Ability to plan and construct a quality improvement circle and negotiate this with management and other decision makers.

    > Graduates of the Diploma in Infection Control will specifically be able to:
    1. Work in a multi-disciplinary team in quality management with an understanding of the historical antecedents in South Africa, the socio-economic and political context and the Infection Control response to the problem.
    2. Develop a good background understanding of scientific, economic, socio;* political and management process in the control of communicable diseases and hospital acquired infection.
    3. Effectively lead an Infection Control programme in a larger health quality programme.

    "Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others".
  • Refer to all the Exit-Level Outcomes.

    "Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation".
  • Refer to the following Exit-Level Outcomes:
    > The student will be able to manage a unit in infection control, sterilization department and conduct surveillance. He or she will:
    1. Be competent to manage and lead a team in Infection Control in a health care facility.
    2. Develop policies and procedures relating to their specialist field to improve quality and standards of patient care as part of a team.
    3. Understand and manage a budget and cost effective programmes in Infection Control and related specialities.
    4. Carry out effective surveillance and use such information to develop coherent and effective policy.
    5. Improve the delivery of Infection Control to the health care facility.
    6. Establish policies in conjunction with role-players which will reduce transmission of pathogens.
    7. Carry out competent research towards developing health policies relating to Infection Control and quality management.
    8. Ability to plan and construct a quality improvement circle and negotiate this with management and other decision makers.

    > Graduates of the Diploma in Infection Control will specifically be able to:
    1. Work in a multi-disciplinary team in quality management with an understanding of the historical antecedents in South Africa, the socio-economic and political context and the Infection Control response to the problem.
    2. Develop a good background understanding of scientific, economic, socio; political and management process in the control of communicable diseases and hospital acquired infection.
    3. Effectively lead an Infection Control programme in a larger health quality programme.
  • "Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
    > Refer to all the Exit-Level Outcomes.
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively".
  • "Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities".
    > Refer to all the Exit-Level Outcomes.

    "Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts"
  • Refer to the following Exit-Level Outcomes:
    > The student will be able to manage a unit in infection control, sterilization department and conduct surveillance. He or she will:
    1. Be competent to manage and lead a team in Infection Control in a health care facility.
    2. Develop policies and procedures relating to their specialist field to improve quality and standards of patient care as part of a team.
    3. Understand and manage a budget and cost effective programmes in Infection Control and related specialities.
    4. Carry out effective surveillance and use such information to develop coherent and effective policy.
    5. Improve the delivery of Infection Control to the health care facility.
    6. Establish policies in conjunction with role-players which will reduce transmission of pathogens.
    7. Carry out competent research towards developing health policies relating to Infection Control and quality management.
    8. Ability to plan and construct a quality improvement circle and negotiate this with management and other decision makers.

    > Graduates of the Diploma in Infection Control will specifically be able to:
    1. Work in a multi-disciplinary team in quality management with an understanding of the historical antecedents in South Africa, the socio-economic and political context and the Infection Control response to the problem.
    2. Develop a good background understanding of scientific, economic, socio; political and management process in the control of communicable diseases and hospital acquired infection.
    3. Effectively lead an Infection Control programme in a larger health quality programme.

    "Exploring education and career opportunities"
  • Refer to the following Exit-Level Outcomes:
    > The student will be able to manage a unit in infection control, sterilization department and conduct surveillance. He or she will:
    1. Be competent to manage and lead a team in Infection Control in a health care facility.
    2. Develop policies and procedures relating to their specialist field to improve quality and standards of patient care as part of a team.
    3. Understand and manage a budget and cost effective programmes in Infection Control and related specialities.
    4. Carry out effective surveillance and use such information to develop coherent and effective policy.
    5. Improve the delivery of Infection Control to the health care facility.
    6. Establish policies in conjunction with role-players which will reduce transmission of pathogens.
    7. Carry out competent research towards developing health policies relating to Infection Control and quality management.
    8. Ability to plan and construct a quality improvement circle and negotiate this with management and other decision makers.

    > Graduates of the Diploma in Infection Control will specifically be able to:
    1. Work in a multi-disciplinary team in quality management with an understanding of the historical antecedents in South Africa, the socio-economic and political context and the Infection Control response to the problem.
    2. Develop a good background understanding of scientific, economic, socio; political and management process in the control of communicable diseases and hospital acquired infection.
    3. Effectively lead an Infection Control programme in a larger health quality programme.

    "Developing entrepreneurial opportunities"
  • Refer to the following Exit-Level Outcomes:
    > The student will able to demonstrate sound practice in infection control, sterile services or as an epidemiologist:
    1. Basic and intermediate knowledge relating to Infection Control and its application.
    2. Formulate simple policies relating to Infection Control and course content in their chosen field of study.
    3. Evaluate current Infection Control practices national and internationally and apply it to their field of study.
    4. Plan and present coherent projects analysing current information and practice.

    > The student will be able to manage a unit in infection control, sterilization department and conduct surveillance. He or she will:
    1. Be competent to manage and lead a team in Infection Control in a health care facility.
    2. Develop policies and procedures relating to their specialist field to improve quality and standards of patient care as part of a team.
    3. Understand and manage a budget and cost effective programmes in Infection Control and related specialities.
    4. Carry out effective surveillance and use such information to develop coherent and effective policy.
    5. Improve the delivery of Infection Control to the health care facility.
    6. Establish policies in conjunction with role-players which will reduce transmission of pathogens.
    7. Carry out competent research towards developing health policies relating to Infection Control and quality management.
    8. Ability to plan and construct a quality improvement circle and negotiate this with management and other decision makers.

    > Graduates of the Diploma in Infection Control will specifically be able to:
    1. Work in a multi-disciplinary team in quality management with an understanding of the historical antecedents in South Africa, the socio-economic and political context and the Infection Control response to the problem.
    2. Develop a good background understanding of scientific, economic, socio; political and management process in the control of communicable diseases and hospital acquired infection.
    3. Effectively lead an Infection Control programme in a larger health quality programme. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcomes 1:

    Generic outcome:

    The successful candidate has demonstrated the ability to:
  • Complete the required projects for each module under supervision.
  • Critically review electronic and written reference material related to current Infection Control practice.
  • Prepare and present a report or project summary to an audience.
  • Work with a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Design and develop protocols in projects related to health care practice.

    Specific Assessment:
  • To produce reports relevant to Infection Control.
  • Written examination and review of current policies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcomes 2:

    Successful candidates has demonstrated the ability to:
  • Practical experience, project management.
  • Project development and writing a comprehensive report.
  • Literature review and critical analysis of published literature.
  • Presentation to an audience, writing an examination paper.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcomes 3:

    Successful candidates has demonstrated the ability to:
  • Lead a team in Infection Control: (assessed by tutor and site supervisor review).
  • Set up evidence based policies in Infection Control and related subjects- (project report, presentations).
  • Written examination and situation analysis reports.
  • Produce a report and presentation.
  • Teach and train other health care practitioners: (reports of established training courses in own health care facility).
  • Good interpersonal skills, consultation and team work: (supervisor's report).
  • Recognise the consultative and advisory process.
  • Implement policy creatively, evaluate outcomes and record progress.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcomes 3:

    The student should demonstrate the ability to:
  • Work as a team leader with other members of staff; role playing, project reports and written examination.
  • To teach and train members of staff who require improving performance. Tutor reports, report writing and project evaluation. Written examination.
  • Carry out effective risk assessment and present a solution to the problem Project work, written examination, reports.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The distribution of marks will be 40% for written assessment, 40% for project and practical assessment and 20% for critical analysis and oral presentation of a chosen topic for each of the four compulsory and two optional modules:
  • The written assessment will be based on a 2 hour written exam for each module made up of writing short reports, multiple choice questions and case studies for problem solving.
  • The project and practical assessment for each module will be based on supervisor's report and log-book and observation of practical aspects of IC as evaluated by tutors and a short project submitted by the student.
  • The critical analysis assessment per module will require an oral presentation on a research topic of the student's choice.

    In order to successfully pass the candidate should achieve a mark of not less than 50% in the theoretical and 50% in practical sections for each module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Name of programme or Qualification; University where offered:
  • Dip in Hosp Infection for IC Doctors and nurses (DipHIC): London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London University.
  • BSc in IC Nursing: Manchester, Leeds, London University.
  • Accreditation of IC Practitioners: Accreditation body: USA. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Articulation during the programme:
  • Postgraduate Nursing Diploma.
  • BSc Med Sc Hons in Epidemiology: Department of Community Health, Sun.

    After completion of core modules, the optional modules provide an opportunity to develop skills in Sterile Services, Communicable Disease surveillance, Research and Development, Staff Health and Community infection control.

    Articulation on completion:

    Successful candidates may proceed to a:
  • Masters Degree (M Phil) by research in the Department of Community Health and then onto a PhD.
  • Two years Masters Degree in Nursing. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • The University of Stellenbosch has a system of external moderation of assessment as well as external peer review and evaluation of departments. One of the aspects of the system is an evaluation of the standards and assessment practices of the department. Each module outcome will be evaluated by the module coordinator (internal) on an ongoing basis as part of role of the Post Graduate committee; the examination will be moderated by an external examiner.
  • Approval from the Health Professional Council of South Africa will be sought. The entire PGDipIC will be evaluated and improved by a Panel of Tutors made up of module coordinators. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Stellenbosch University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.