ETC 48 - From Dull to Dynamic: How to Create Sticky and Flexible Infection Prevention Education Using Adult Learning Principles

Background: A fundamental lack of infection prevention and control (IPC) education and knowledge and a need for alternative training strategies was uncovered in a learning needs assessment of healthcare and public health workers (n=9,272) in Virginia. Traditional train the trainer sessions equip learners to reproduce specific educational content with fewer opportunities for dynamicity. A new training model is needed to address adaptable educator practices that build skills to create and deploy education that will be "sticky" and drive sustainable real-world practice changes.

Methods: The Infection Prevention Educator Roadshow was an exploratory program conducted in Virginia from June-August 2023 that included a series of one day, in-person, trainings. The Roadshow used evidence-based methods for workplace education while emphasizing hands-on practice of adult learning principles to create tailored and engaging educational materials. The participants received take-home educator tools and optional ongoing pedagogical support. Descriptive analyses of post-event surveys were used to measure satisfaction with the training, downstream reach using training lessons, and use of Roadshow educational supplies.

Results: The Roadshow reached a total of 220 participants and 203 (92%) of those completed the post-event survey. Most (98%) participants were moderately or very satisfied with the Roadshow and 96% indicated they definitely or probably would use this training in their work. A one-month follow up survey completed by 130 participants found that they were able to use lessons learned or educational tools provided at the training to reach an additional 10,340 healthcare workers when they returned to their facilities.

Conclusions: The Infection Prevention Educator Roadshow demonstrates how innovative evidence-based teaching methods that move away from didactic methods and focus on workplace education needs can exponentially increase the reach of IPC training and the Infection Prevention Educator Roadshow serves as a testament to the model’s success.