Empowering Infection Preventionists: Finding Quality Research, Integrating Results, and Building Partnerships

Session Description: Infection Preventionists (IPs) are vital to safeguarding public health, and their active participation in research is critical to developing evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes and enhance infection control measures. This session highlights the crucial role of IPs in staying actively engaged in research and bridging the gap between the latest scientific evidence and current healthcare guidelines.

Through practical strategies and examples, this session is designed to assist both the newest and most experienced IPs. Attendees will learn how to effectively identify, engage with, and integrate credible research findings into their facilities. This will help them make informed decisions and confidently apply the most relevant and reliable findings to their practices. IPs will gain a deeper understanding of how to critically evaluate research studies, ensuring that they are equipped to discern high-quality evidence from less robust studies.

Additionally, the session will explore effective methods for disseminating research findings within their organizations. IPs will learn how to communicate complex information in a way that influences clinical practice and policy-making decisions. The ability to effectively share research insights is key to fostering a culture of evidence-based practice within healthcare settings.

The presentation will also address the complexities of research partnerships, equipping IPs with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate these relationships successfully. Attendees will discover how to establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to research projects and enhance their professional development.

By the end of this session, IPs will be empowered with the knowledge and skills to enhance patient safety and infection control measures, even when guidelines lag behind the latest evidence. This empowerment will enable them to lead their facilities in adopting best practices and advancing the field of infection prevention.