ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to get our thinking about stereotypes, which will always inevitably be linked to the prejudices and attitudes each of us holds, and of course there consequences to ourselves and others. In essence, where stereotypes are concerned one individual’s intelligence is arguably another’s stupidity, with the stupidity element generally being related to the individual expressing a stereotype. Reflection is by its nature a subjective process whether it be in action or on action, and as such it is likely to be subject to stereotypical influences. Intuition, or gut feeling as it is more often referred to, has the same subjective stereotypical potential as reflection, except to a greater degree where the instigation of safe Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) practice is concerned. Where such a misnomer exists it will inevitably enhance the potential for stereotypes being applied and for unsafe IP&C to occur.
