Neonatal Infection, Inflammation, Immunology and Immunisation

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate and discuss the principles of immunisation and associated health promotion strategies related to neonates.
• Critically analyse and synthesise the latest evidence and guidelines regarding the prevention, diagnosis and management of fetal and neonatal infections.
• Critically evaluate the pathogenesis, epidemiology and management of fetal and neonatal infections.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of neonatal immune function and inflammatory processes.

The following key topics will be covered:

• characteristics of the immune system and the associated inflammatory processes of the neonate
• the structure and characteristics of relevant micro-organisms
• the mechanisms involved in, and management of antimicrobial resistance
• specific infections affecting the fetus and neonate for example; Group B Streptococci, Covid, HIV, hepatitis will be included
• the principles of vaccination and vaccination procedures for vaccine

preventable infections in the neonate

Teaching and learning methods

The module will take a broad-based learner centred approach to teaching and learning methods, intending to promote deeper learning whilst meeting a range of learning styles. The core theoretical material will be delivered as online text “lectures” within a “Virtual Learning Environment” (VLE) and you will be allocated to discussion groups (“Discussion Forums”) which will be tasked with reflecting on, and discussing within the VLE clinical scenarios which relate to the theoretical material.

The groups will each include approximately 15 participants and discussions will be directed and moderated by experienced tutors – two per group. While most of the discussions will be asynchronous – by leaving comments within the Discussion Forums - each group will also hold synchronous discussions, possibly once every two or three weeks, when they will “meet” together either online or using media such as Teams or Zoom. Where appropriate, “Plenary Sessions” and Guest Lectures will be included, which will allow you to share in discussions on current research and best available evidence.

A range of resource material, including links to relevant online sites, will be made available on the VLE. These methods will facilitate learning from text-based material, from participation in discussion and reflection with peers working in a range of different cultural environments. Specially developed case based studies will be explored to focus on the application of the lecture materials.

Resources & Reading list

Internet Resources

Neonatal Infection:antibiotics for prevention and treatment.

Neonatal sepsis: need for consensus definition, collaboration and core outcomes.

Immunisation against infectious disease - The Green Book.

Textbooks

Cantey JB (2018). Neonatal Infections Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management. Switzerland: Springer Nature.

Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics (January 2021). Red Book: 2021–2024 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases (32ND EDITION). American Academy of Paediatrics.

Assessment strategy

The formative assessment will comprise two parts;

1.Feedback on your online activity. The feedback will be compiled by your online tutors and the module lead based on your online activity at the mid-point of the module

2. Examples of the MCQ will be provided within the Assessment Office of the VLE.

The summative assessment is designed to enable you to demonstrate your knowledge of neonatal infections, inflammation, immunology and immunisation knowledge. It will also test your ability to use higher cognitive skills (i.e. to demonstrate mastery of the topic/module content).

It includes the following:

1. An unseen 2 hour online MCQ-applied knowledge assessment examination. The aim will be to assess the depth and breadth of knowledge as well as your clinical judgement. This contributes 70% of your final mark.

2. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of your online activity and participation within your learning group. This contributes 30% of your final mark.

For successful completion of the module both elements of the assessment must be attempted and a pass mark of 50% or more must be achieved for each component.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External