Outbreak Investigations: Catalysts for Infection Prevention and Promise of AI Integration

Session Description: Outbreak investigations are critical moments for Infection Prevention teams, requiring quick action, teamwork across disciplines, and data-driven decisions under pressure. These events test healthcare systems' resilience and preparedness while offering valuable learning opportunities that influence future prevention methods.
This session will examine how outbreak investigations impact Infection Prevention teams, addressing operational difficulties, emotional impacts, and long-term improvements in surveillance, communication, and policies. We will also explore new ways to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve outbreak response, such as predictive analytics, anomaly detection, automated contact tracing, and real-time data visualization.
Participants will gain insights into the lifecycle of an outbreak investigation and its ripple effects on Infection Prevention operations, including how these events challenge and ultimately strengthen team dynamics and institutional protocols. Through case examples, the session will highlight lessons learned and system improvements that emerge in the aftermath of outbreaks. Attendees will also explore practical applications of AI tools in outbreak detection, data synthesis, and decision support, gaining a clearer understanding of how technology can augment traditional methods. Finally, the discussion will address ethical and operational considerations for integrating AI into Infection Prevention workflows, ensuring responsible and effective implementation.

Jennifer Vogelsberg

Manager of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, Nebraska Medicine

Jen Vogelsberg, BS, MLS (ASCP), CIC Manager of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, Nebraska Medicine With more than 20 years of medical laboratory expertise and over a decade specializing in infection prevention, she has led the development and implementation of evidence-based strategies to reduce infection risks and safeguard patient safety across acute care, hospital-based clinics, surgical services, ambulatory clinics, and reprocessing departments. Her career is distinguished by pioneering infection prevention programs, mentoring Infection Preventionists, and delivering impactful education that fosters compliance, collaboration, and a culture of safety. She has presented nationally on outbreak investigations, waterborne pathogen prevention, and innovative recruitment strategies for IPs. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Medical Technology from the University of Nebraska. She is currently pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration at Louisiana State University. Outside of the office, she loves spending time with her family, traveling, exploring new places, and staying active outdoors.

Paula Pintar

Southern Regional Infection Preventionist, Wisconsin Department Public Health

Paula Pintar is a Regional Infection Preventionist with the Wisconsin Department of Public Health – Healthcare Associated Infection Prevention program. In this role she provides education and consultation to the local and tribal health departments, long-term care and acute care programs supporting infection prevention and program development. Pintar has served on APIC’s Professional Development Committee (2017-2019) and her local chapter (Southeast Wisconsin) as chapter president in 2022, 2014 and held other board positions. She has published her work in the American Journal of Infection Control, Journal of Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Prevention Strategist. Pintar earned her master’s in nursing focused on clinical nurse specialist from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She received the Excellence in Nursing Practice Award from her local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society and earned the Fellow of APIC designation in 2017. She has a special interest in program development and implementation science.