Nursing and Midwifery Sciences – Nursing Profile - Roma S. Camillo

Activity type

Scienze biologiche e medico chirurgiche

SSD

MEDS-10/B

Year

1st year

Semester

1st semester

CFU

2

Hours distribution

20 classroom hours

Lecturers

IVANO MEZZAROMA

Activity type

Attività formative affini o integrative

SSD

MEDS-26/A

Year

1st year

Semester

1st semester

CFU

1

Hours distribution

10 classroom hours

Lecturers

LUCA PIERELLI

Activity type

Scienze biologiche e medico chirurgiche

SSD

MEDS-03/A

Year

N/D

Semester

N/D

CFU

1

Hours distribution

10 classroom hours

Lecturers

Activity type

Discipline epidemiologiche, statistiche, informatiche e della ricerca

SSD

MEDS-24/B

Year

1st year

Semester

1st semester

CFU

2

Hours distribution

20 classroom hours

Lecturers

MARIA SOFIA CATTARUZZA

At the end of the course, students will be able to assess population health needs through epidemiological methods, risk stratification tools, and Population Health Management frameworks, using the resulting evidence to plan, organize, and evaluate nursing services. Students will also be able to design and manage epidemiological surveillance and infectious risk control systems, interpret microbiological, epidemiological, and surveillance indicators for monitoring healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance, coordinate prevention strategies and antibiotic stewardship programs, and use data from national and international surveillance systems to support organizational decision-making. Furthermore, students will be able to contribute to organizational preparedness planning, infectious risk management, and responses to public health emergencies and pandemics by coordinating resources, processes, and business continuity strategies through an approach focused on patient safety, public health, and healthcare system resilience.

At the end of the course, students will be able to analyze population health needs through the use of epidemiological and demographic data, interpreting their implications for healthcare planning and service delivery. They will be able to use epidemiological surveillance methods and tools to identify, monitor, and evaluate public health issues, with particular attention to infectious diseases and healthcare-associated infections. Students will be capable of applying evidence-based strategies for the prevention and control of infectious risks across different healthcare settings, promoting patient safety and public health protection. They will also be able to critically evaluate epidemiological indicators and surveillance systems, contributing to clinical governance and organizational decision-making processes. Furthermore, they will be able to integrate principles of equity, sustainability, and public health into the planning and implementation of interventions aimed at improving health outcomes.

Students are expected to possess the fundamental knowledge and competencies acquired during qualifying Bachelor's Degree programmes in the Health Professions, particularly in epidemiology, hygiene and public health, microbiology, prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections, and healthcare organization. Basic knowledge of descriptive statistics applied to health sciences is also required.

Module: EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
The course addresses the principles of epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), with particular reference to the operational definition of HAIs, CDC/NHSN criteria for the identification of major healthcare-associated infections, and methods for measuring infection frequency. Topics include point prevalence and incidence measures, the methodology of the ECDC Point Prevalence Surveys, calculation and interpretation of epidemiological indicators, and their use in benchmarking against national and international standards. The course also examines key organizational indicators for HAI monitoring, including device-associated infection rates and surgical site infection rates, as well as the development and use of managerial dashboards for infection prevention and control. Surveillance systems, data sources, active and passive surveillance approaches, and the role of Infection Prevention and Control Committees will also be explored.

The course further examines antimicrobial resistance (AMR), focusing on its biological mechanisms, patterns of dissemination, and impact on healthcare systems. Major alert organisms of epidemiological and organizational relevance will be analyzed, including their transmission pathways, high-risk healthcare settings, and implications for patient management, screening, and isolation practices. Particular attention will be devoted to epidemiological and organizational indicators used to monitor AMR and support strategic planning for infection prevention and control programs.

Within the framework of antimicrobial stewardship, the course explores the organization and implementation of Antibiotic Stewardship Programs, multidisciplinary team structures, principles of appropriate antimicrobial use, and the objectives outlined in national and international AMR action plans. Students will examine indicators used to evaluate antibiotic consumption and prescribing appropriateness, including audit methodologies and utilization metrics. The role of nurse managers in promoting adherence to stewardship policies, staff education, surveillance activities, and quality improvement initiatives will also be addressed.

Finally, the course focuses on evidence-based strategies for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections through the implementation of care bundles. Prevention bundles for ventilator-associated pneumonia, central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and surgical site infections will be discussed, with emphasis on implementation strategies, compliance monitoring, process audits, and outcome evaluation. The course also covers outbreak management, including the identification and reporting of clusters and outbreaks, epidemiological investigation procedures, immediate containment measures, and coordination among nursing leadership, infection prevention and control teams, and public health authorities.



Module: DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, POPULATION RISK STRATIFICATION,AND HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT
This module explores the role of epidemiological surveillance as a fundamental tool for public health protection and for supporting decision-making processes within healthcare organizations. Particular attention will be given to national and international surveillance systems, including the Italian Infectious Diseases Information System (SIMI), the activities of the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), and the surveillance and risk assessment systems of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Students will develop competencies in the interpretation and use of epidemiological data to support infectious risk governance, infection prevention and control strategies, and healthcare worker protection policies.

The module also examines the principles of pandemic preparedness and infectious disease emergency planning, focusing on the structure and implementation of National and Organizational Pandemic Plans, risk assessment methodologies, and emergency response strategies. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of the nurse manager in public health emergencies, including surge capacity planning, continuity of essential services, workforce management, and risk communication. Through the analysis of real-world case studies and emergency scenarios, students will explore coordination mechanisms with local, national, and international public health authorities and develop an understanding of organizational strategies aimed at strengthening healthcare system resilience and preparedness for future epidemics and pandemics.


Module: CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
N/D
Module: CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
N/D

Module: EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
The lecturer will provide students with supplementary teaching materials (scientific articles, clinical guidelines, institutional documents, and other learning resources) selected according to the topics covered during the course and updated in line with the most recent scientific evidence.


Module: DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, POPULATION RISK STRATIFICATION,AND HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The lecturer will provide students with supplementary teaching materials (scientific articles, clinical guidelines, institutional documents, and other learning resources) selected according to the topics covered during the course and updated in line with the most recent scientific evidence.


Module: CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
N/D
Module: CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
N/D

Module: EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
N/D
Module: DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, POPULATION RISK STRATIFICATION,AND HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT
N/D
Module: CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
N/D
Module: CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
N/D

Teaching is delivered primarily through face-to-face lectures organized according to an integrated educational approach across the different modules comprising the course. Teaching activities are planned to promote the progressive integration of disciplinary knowledge and competencies, fostering an interdisciplinary perspective and encouraging connections among the various scientific and professional fields addressed. Where appropriate, learning activities may also include case discussions, critical appraisal of scientific literature, practical exercises, seminars, and other active learning methodologies aimed at developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply evidence to professional practice.

Attendance is mandatory. In accordance with the Degree Programme Academic Regulations, students are required to attend at least 66% of the scheduled teaching activities for each course. Regular participation in teaching activities represents an essential component of the learning process, supporting the progressive acquisition of knowledge, methodological competencies, and critical thinking skills consistent with the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Learning will be assessed through an integrated written and oral examination covering all modules of the course, with the aim of evaluating the achievement of the intended learning outcomes. The written examination may include multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, and/or the analysis of epidemiological and public health scenarios designed to assess knowledge of the course content and the ability to interpret epidemiological data, health indicators, and surveillance systems. The oral examination will further evaluate students' ability to critically analyze epidemiological issues, apply strategies for infection prevention and control, integrate knowledge acquired across the different modules, and apply it to healthcare planning and clinical and organizational governance. The final grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale and will take into account the overall level of preparation, interdisciplinary integration, critical reasoning, and the appropriate use of scientific and professional terminology.

Module: EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
N/D
Module: DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, POPULATION RISK STRATIFICATION,AND HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT
N/D
Module: CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
N/D
Module: CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
N/D

Module: EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
N/D
Module: DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, POPULATION RISK STRATIFICATION,AND HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT

• The role of technical coordinator in the management of clinical laboratory in the hospital context 


• Application, management and maintenance of quality assurance in the labs