How to Teach Staff to Think Like an Infection Control Preventionist

Infection Control Today (06/15/26) Ferrano, Angela

A skilled nursing facility in New Jersey improved frontline staff's ability to recognize real-time infection prevention risks by replacing traditional lectures with a photo-based educational initiative called “Be the IP.” The program used pictures from actual infection prevention rounds to prompt staff to identify problems, explain why they occurred, and discuss resident safety implications. The activity revealed recurring issues—such as improper equipment and supply storage, catheter-care lapses, unsafe food storage, unsecured medication carts, and confusion about isolation precautions—and led to practical operational changes including expanded linen supplies, new storage areas, and targeted education on catheter care and other areas. Staff engagement was high, with discussions shifting from blame to problem-solving, and the program reduced repeat findings during subsequent rounds. Elements of the activity were later added to new-employee orientation. Ultimately, the initiative helped staff think more like infection preventionists and apply infection-prevention principles more effectively in daily resident care.

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