Infection Control

The article below is part of information given on this link:  http://dentistry.uwo.ca/pages/division/oralbiol.htm

II. Infection control, occupational health and access to care for patients with bloodborne pathogens: Our research program has evolved from primarily investigations of access to care for patients with HIV to infection control, as we have recognized the importance of compliance with recommended infection control practices, not only in minimizing cross-infection but as a positive influence on access to care for patients with bloodborne pathogens. We have completed provincial and national studies of dentists (n=6,000) in Canada to assess the provision of care for patients with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis viruses, occupational health and compliance with recommended infection control practices.

We are also investigating the efficacy of undergraduate teaching in the management of patients with infectious bloodborne diseases, ethics and infection control.

Currently, we have funding from the Medical Research Council of Canada and London Health Sciences Centre - Internal Research Fund to conduct a national survey of surgeons (n=4,000) in Canada to investigate infection control, and occupational health. Collaborators include Dr. John Koval (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Dr. Ken Harris (Department of Surgery), Dr. Michael John (Clinical Microbiology).

We also have funding from London Health Sciences Centre for a pilot study investigating willingness to provide care for patients with HIV, infection control and occupational health in Ontario nurses. Funding for a large scale study (n=5,350) of nurses in Ontario has been awarded by the Ontario HIV Treatment Network. Collaborators include Dr. John Koval (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Dr. Kathleen Hartford (Nursing and Epidemiology and Biostatistics), and Dr. Michael John (Clinical Microbiology).