ETC 44 - Designing and Implementing CDC’s Project Firstline Micro-Learns: Innovative and Effective Infection Control Training Tools for the Front Lines

Background: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Project Firstline (PFL) is a national training and education collaborative providing the healthcare and public health workforce with timely, accessible, and accurate infection control education. PFL develops innovative resources that appeal to a diverse healthcare workforce and are practical to implement. PFL’s “Micro-Learns” are designed to be adaptable and readily incorporated into the workday in a variety of healthcare settings.

Methods: Based on formative and audience research, PFL created a series of infection control “Micro-Learns” based on CDC guidelines and guidance, focusing on “what to do when” a healthcare worker encounters an infection risk on the job. PFL used our robust partner network to review initial concepts and pilot-test the resource. Partners provided insight and feedback to ensure that the Micro-Learns would be implementable in a range of healthcare settings, for wide audiences of healthcare workers.

Results: Previous research conducted by PFL indicated that educational materials should be clear, concise, accessible, flexible, and delivered by trusted sources. The Micro-Learn tools were therefore designed as infection control discussions to be incorporated into existing, on-the-job opportunities led by experienced team members. Each tool includes guidance for the discussion leader and a visual job aid to reinforce key learning objectives. The partner pilot not only informed the products themselves, but also aided in their uptake and broad utilization. As of November 2023, the Micro-Learn series has received more than 4,800 downloads.

Conclusions: Research and pilot testing are key elements of building successful infection control training and educational resources. The Micro-Learn design reflects consideration of the healthcare workforce’s needs, preferences, and experiences as well as infection control science. The success of the approach highlights the importance of providing concise and accessible tools to meet audiences where they are.