Leveraging Generative Artificial Intelligence to Improve Manufacturers' Instruction for Use Adherence

Session Description: Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (MIFUs) are essential for ensuring safe and effective sterilization and high-level disinfection (HLD) of reusable medical devices. However, Infection Preventionists (IPs) face persistent and multifaceted challenges when interpreting and implementing MIFUs. These challenges include ambiguous or overly complex language for frontline staff, conflicting instructions between devices and accessories, lack of validation for certain processes, and missing or outdated documentation.

Facilities often lack the technical capacity, equipment, or resources to meet MIFU requirements. Staff frequently spend excessive time reviewing lengthy documents, leading to confusion, inefficiencies, and inconsistent practices. According to a recent national survey conducted by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), 84 percent of IPs reported needing to contact manufacturers for clarification, with over one-third receiving inadequate responses. These issues increase the risk of healthcare-associated infections and contribute to regulatory citations and operational strain.

This session introduces a novel approach using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support IPs, educators, clinical technologists, and reprocessing technicians in interpreting, operationalizing, and resolving MIFU-related challenges. Attendees will learn how AI can generate customized job aids, training modules, and competency assessments tailored to specific devices and workflows. The session will also explore how AI can simulate multiple MIFU for equipment compatibility and improve decision making for the design, construction and renovation planners of sterile processing departments and endoscope reprocessing departments in both inpatient and ambulatory settings. By integrating AI into infection prevention workflows, IPs can proactively address MIFU gaps, improve staff training, and support safer, more compliant reprocessing environments.

Jessica Alicdan

Infection Preventionist, UCSD Health

Jessica Alicdan, MPH, AL-CIP, CIC, is a practicing Infection Preventionist at UC San Diego Health with nineteen years of healthcare experience and a decade devoted to public health and infection prevention and control. She holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and undergraduate degrees in Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology. Jessica currently serves as President of the California APIC Coordinating Council and as President-Elect for the San Diego and Imperial County APIC Chapter. Over the past ten years, she has consulted with long-term care facilities, hospitals, dental clinics, public health agencies, and other infection prevention partners both nationally and internationally. She remains active in quality improvement research and continues to publish work aimed at advancing the field. Her professional interests include medical device management, endoscope reprocessing and quality oversight, high-level disinfection and sterilization practices, and preventing hospital-onset bacteremia associated with vascular access devices.

Aaron Woodall

Chief, Infection Prevention and Control, Department of Veterans Affairs

Aaron A. Woodall is an infection preventionist with nearly two decades of global experience. His career began in military combat medicine and public health efforts across Eastern Afghanistan, Europe, Middle East and Africa. His expertise spans many diverse healthcare environments.

Aimee Baerlocher

System Director Infection Prevention, St. Luke's Health System

Aimee Baerlocher, MPH, CIC, FAPIC is the System Director of Infection Prevention at St. Luke's Health System in Boise, Idaho. Aimee earned her undergraduate degrees from the University of Idaho and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Idaho State University. She has been working in Infection Prevention since 2004 and board Certified in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC) since 2007. Was named a Fellow of the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (FAPIC) in 2017. Aimee has held multiple board positions on the Intermountain Region APIC Chapter since 2006 and served on the national APIC Member Services Committee from 2017-2019 and currently serves on the national APIC Nominating and Awards Committee.