Frequent Questions

Q. Who devised the AIM concept?

A. Leading experts attended an advisory board meeting held by AstraZeneca to determine key issues in the current management of nosocomial infections. One of the proposals from this group was that there was a need for an educational programme to increase knowledge of new therapeutic approaches. AstraZeneca decided that it would support such an educational programme. An agency specialising in medical education and who also had experience of introducing and co-ordinating large global education programmes was appointed to support the faculty. Professor Marin Kollef was approached to lead and Chair this initiative.

Q. What is the history of its origin?

A. A core faculty of 18 leading experts from a variety of specialities (intensive care, infectious diseases, pharmacy, respiratory medicine and surgery) agreed to participate in the programme and provide the educational content. The initial feedback from the advisory boards was clear in that production and distribution of a slide set would not be sufficient on its own. The faculty were keen to develop practical and interactive patient case-based learning materials (with supporting educational information) that were clinically relevant and could be used by clinicians to educate others. The faculty agreed the core principles and educational objectives for AIM as well as providing over 50 case studies. From these the core faculty selected 15 for further development.

Both the faculty and AstraZeneca agreed the overall name Academy for Infection Management.

Q. What are the terms of reference for the AIM core faculty?

A. The core faculty developed and agreed the core principles for AIM. They also provided the educational objectives, case studies and additional information for the educational materials.

Q. What is the AIM committee's Academic Association?

A. The Academy for Infection Management is not linked with a particular association. Individually the AIM core faculty have links with major associations in their field. National AIM groups are often linked with relevant organisations depending on the country involved.

Q. What is the relationship to AstraZeneca?

A. AstraZeneca have funded the programme and through the agency are delivering the educational programme. AIM has its own identity and a dedicated website. The core faculty have provided the content of the programme and driven the educational aspects of AIM.

Q. What is the vision for AIM?

A. The vision is that the educational materials and message reach as wide an audience as possible. The programme and materials were launched at global meetings in Mexico City and Barcelona in early 2003. Since then meetings have taken place throughout the world, such as Mexico, Russia, Australia and Canada, and the materials have been adapted for local use.