Artificial Intelligence and Infection Prevention: Here’s the Fun!

Session Description: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in healthcare settings has the potential to greatly enhance patient safety and improve outcomes. AI can help healthcare professionals in several ways, such as early detection and surveillance, by analyzing large volumes of data from various sources, such as electronic health records, laboratory results, and environmental monitoring systems, to identify patterns, detect potential outbreaks or infections, and enhance surveillance. AI can use predictive modeling to forecast the likelihood of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) based on patient risk factors, environmental conditions, and other variables. This information can help prioritize infection prevention efforts and allocate resources effectively.
AI-powered monitoring systems can continuously analyze real-time data from patient monitors, hand hygiene compliance sensors, and other sources to identify deviations from normal parameters, which enable healthcare providers to receive timely alerts and take appropriate actions. AI-driven robots can perform tasks such as disinfection, sterilization, and surface cleaning with precision and consistency. This reduces the risk of human error and ensures thorough and efficient infection control practices. AI can provide evidence-based recommendations and guidelines to healthcare professionals in real-time and assist in making informed decisions regarding infection prevention protocols, antimicrobial stewardship, and patient management. AI can be utilized to develop interactive training modules and simulations for healthcare workers, enhancing their knowledge and skills in infection prevention and control practices that promote consistent adherence to best practices and reduce the risk of HAIs.
This session includes insightful learning opportunities to explore the benefits and uses of AI in IPC, highlighting how important AI is as a tool to augment human expertise rather than replace it.