An understanding of the social sciences within infection prevention and control (IPC) is important for those working in health and social care. This new book, Infection prevention and control: a social science perspective positions the specialty of IPC as more than a technical discipline concerned with microbes. It is about people and their behaviour in context and the book therefore explores a number of relevant social sciences and their relationship to IPC across different contexts and cultures. IPC is relevant to every person who works in, and accesses health care and it remains a global challenge. Exploring novel approaches and perspectives that expand our collective horizons in an ever changing and evolving IPC landscape therefore makes sense. Key Features: 1. Offers new perspectives beyond the topic area of infection prevention and control, to push the frontiers of knowledge and to challenge the status quo. 2. Interprofessional in nature and relevant to all those involved in the provision of medicine, health, and social care irrespective of their roles. 3. Truly international in nature in that the chapters have been developed by a range of individuals from across the globe.

Key Features: 1. Offers new perspectives beyond the topic area of infection prevention and control, to push the frontiers of knowledge and to challenge the status quo. 2. Interprofessional in nature and relevant to all those involved in the provision of medicine, health, and social care irrespective of their roles. 3. Truly international in nature in that the chapters have been developed by a range of individuals from across the globe.

This book presents a variety of perceptions of and perspectives on infection prevention and control. In doing this, the chapters will reflect upon challenging and controversial new ways of looking at infection prevention and control aimed at generating both discussion and debate as well as practical solutions. With this in mind, the book will aim not only to challenge the existing status quo but also push the frontiers of knowledge, thinking and practice where infection prevention and control is concerned. This is vital when considered in the light of cross infection rates, the number of healthcare providers who are being identified by the Care Quality Commission as falling below acceptable standards of infection prevention and control and the almost compulsive persistent non-adherent behaviours of those involved in the provision of medicine, health, social care and other disciplines related to caring with regards to the undertaking of safe and appropriate standards of infection prevention and control. There is no doubt that this book will be challenging with regards to the readers' perceptions and perspectives of infection prevention and control. Where this topic is concerned however, such a challenging approach is vital if the health, safety and well being of individuals is to be positively promoted among all those involved in the health and wellbeing of others.