Brief outline and rationale for chosen topic i.e. hiv aids 'This essay will discuss the problem of small round structured virus (SRSV) infection outbreaks within the Ward/Department and how to prevent or minimise them'. 'The reason for choosing this topic is that.... SRSV outbreaks cause significant morbidity within the health care and community setting.....' You could put this in the context of the legal requirement of the employer and the employee in relation to improving standard standards of infection control practice. You then need to 'map' out the areas that you will be addressing within the main body. i.e. 'The essay will address the following...' Main body of paper N.B. This is a guide of points to be addressed not a prescriptive order of your material.

1. Demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of microbiology Identify your chosen problem/issue and discuss the micro-organism/s commonly implicated. It might just be one micro-organism such as Clostridium difficile or one specific group of microorganisms such as SRSV or, you might be looking at preventing the development and spread of infection in Central Venous Lines - in this case you would look at the common micro-organisms implicated and discuss some of their characteristics. Support with reference material. Example What is a virus, how does it differ to bacteria, what specific characteristics do SRSV have and what implications does this have for survival and ability to cause outbreaks or infection etc? Support with reference material.

2. Epidemiology/immunity Significance and size of the problem, i.e. mortality and morbidity associated. Refer to relevant reports and prevalence/incidence studies to support this. Risk groups/people etc, why are certain people at risk - because immune defences breached (if they have a urinary catheter or intravascular device inserted) or immunosuppressed etc. Support with reference material.

3. Current research and literature on topic You must search and select appropriate literature relevant to your infection control problem; for example. How do SRSV outbreaks occur, mode/s of transmission, what factors enhance their spread, which fomites might be/have found to be implicated, what factors interfere with staff compliance with the recommended infection control measures.

4. Improving infection control standards and role of the nurse Discuss how nurses and other health professionals can improve infection control practices in order to i.e. prevent SRSV from spreading in future etc. What practices have been found to improve or contain infection - base on the latest research and guidelines? This might be the practice people carry out; it might be the education needed, clearer policies etc. Support with referenced material. Conclusions. Refer back to the aims in your introduction and summarise the main points from the body of the work - you could include recommendations here. Discuss any limitations of either the literature, your study, information available etc. Identify areas for further development or research. Does not need support from published work.