Infectious Disease Human Resource Development Program

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese government publicly launched a new initiative targeting medical faculties at higher education institutions across the country. The initiative supports the development of educational programs that train students in advanced medical treatment and infection control methods related to infectious diseases (the third amendment of the initiative was published in 2020).

Okayama University applied for funding under the initiative (budget set at ¥102,695,000) and was approved to use the funding for the purpose outlined below. In collaboration with Okayama University Hospital, the University promotes the training of medical personnel who can respond to infectious diseases through courses offered by the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Health, the Faculty of Dentistry, and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

 【Purpose】Up until now, education regarding infectious diseases and infectious disease prevention has been limited to fundamental theoretical knowledge. However, under this new initiative, we will change the focus, allowing students to experience simulated situations that foster practical understanding of infection control methods for infectious diseases. We will provide practical training in the implementation of standard precautions and safety zones and teach students to consider strategies and appropriate measures that take human behavior into account. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to perform ward duties under the supervision of trained nurses. By completing programs that focus on medical practice, students will acquire the necessary knowledge and behaviors to function as a member of a team of healthcare professionals directly involved in infection control.

【Educational content to be covered under this initiative】

①　Standard precautions for thorough infection prevention

②　My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene (recommended by WHO)

③　Zoning and management strategies to prevent the spread of infection in hospitals

④　Identifying areas prone to bacterial and viral infection and devising appropriate measures to prevent the spread of infection 

⑤　Appropriate and safe specimen collection and pathogen identification using a simulator

⑥　Tracheal intubation and proper ventilator operation using a simulator

⑦　Infection control in endoscopy procedures

⑧  Emergency response training using a simulator

⑨　Symptom-specific infection control training using simulated infectious disease patients