Facts, Fiction & Frontlines: Combating Misinformation in Infection Prevention with Science and AI

Session Description: In today’s information landscape, Infection Preventionists face a constant challenge: navigating misinformation and disinformation that can undermine public trust, distort evidence, and compromise health outcomes. This interactive workshop is designed to equip participants with practical strategies to counter myths and strengthen their communication skills in the face of these challenges.
The session begins by exploring the key characteristics of scientific communication exemplars. Participants will learn how to identify trustworthy, ethical, and evidence-based science, distinguishing it from misleading or manipulative content. By reviewing real-world examples, attendees will sharpen their ability to recognize credible sources and apply these standards in their own practice.

Next, the workshop addresses the growing role of technology, focusing on when and how to use AI tools for the good. Participants will gain insights into the benefits of AI in infection prevention communication, while also learning how to spot inappropriate or misleading uses of these tools. This segment emphasizes critical thinking and ethical application, ensuring that technology enhances rather than erodes trust.

Finally, the workshop emphasizes skill-building through practice communication methods that promote trust. Attendees will engage in interactive exercises to refine messages that resonate with diverse audiences, tailoring them to meet the needs of patients, colleagues, and the broader public. By practicing targeted communication, participants will leave with tools to foster confidence and clarity in their professional interactions.

This workshop blends theory with hands-on practice, empowering Infection Preventionists to become stronger advocates for science and public health. By the end of the session, participants will be better prepared to counter misinformation, leverage technology responsibly, and communicate with integrity and impact.

Emily Sickbert-Bennett

System Executive Director, UNC Health

Dr. Emily Sickbert-Bennett is the System Executive Director of Infection for UNC Health and is also the Editor-in-Chief for the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC). She is also a Professor in the Department of Medicine-Infectious Diseases at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine and Professor in the Epidemiology Department at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, where she obtained her PhD in Epidemiology and MS in Environmental Microbiology. Dr. Sickbert-Bennett’s research focuses on infectious disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, prevention of healthcare-associated infections, the role of the environment in healthcare- associated infections, hand hygiene and masking as an infection prevention strategy.

Mohamed Yassin

Medical Director Hospital Epidemiologist , University of Pittsburgh Medical Center UPMC

Infectious Diseases physician with experience in Infection prevention and hospital epidemiology. Interest in endoscope processing and infections as well as burn infections. Focus is on all healthcare associated infections as well as environmental factors contributing to healthcare infections (water, air and surfaces). Professor of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Public Health.

Janet Haas

CEO, Innovative Infection Prevention

Janet Haas was the 2018 APIC president, and the Director of Epidemiology at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, NY. Dr. Haas is an associate editor of the American Journal of Infection Control. Dr. Haas has authored several peer-reviewed publications in the field of infection prevention and control. She has presented at the local, regional and national level. Her research interests include Hand Hygiene, Environmental Disinfection and Computer-aided Surveillance. Dr. Haas earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Sage Colleges of Albany, NY, her Masters in Epidemiology from the University at Albany and her Doctorate in Nursing from Columbia University. She has been Certified in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) since 1999 and is a Fellow of APIC.

Janet Glowicz

Infection Preventionist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dr. Janet Glowicz is a nurse Infection Preventionist with the Health Systems Strengthening Resilience Training Branch within the CDC Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion. Dr. Glowicz has practiced infection prevention in outpatient settings, and acute care academic and community hospitals. Prior to joining Project Firstline Janet served as the CDC Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings subject matter expert. Volunteer service has included board membership with the Certification Board in Infection Control. Janet enjoys being onsite at healthcare settings and interacting with frontline personnel as they excel in the implementation of infection control actions.

Stephanie Stroever

Assistant Professor and Director of Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine

Dr. Stephanie Stroever is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education and Director of Research for the Division of Emergency Medicine. She has a PhD and Master of Public Health from the UTHealth School of Public Health, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Stroever teaches applied statistics, epidemiology, evidence-based medicine, and research methods across all levels of training, including continuing medical education and faculty development. She is passionate about conducting meaningful research and has extensive experience navigating its life cycle as a research methodologist. Her clinical expertise is infection prevention and healthcare epidemiology, and she is currently involved in numerous studies in healthcare epidemiology, emergency medicine, medical education, implementation science, and maternal health. She has experience in both qualitative and quantitative research and enjoys doing both.

Kevin Chindwal

Infection Prevention Supervisor , Aster Hospital

Mr.Kevin Chindwal ,RN ,CIC,PGDIpC,MBA IP professional with more than 14 yeras of experience in Multiple countries focusing on clinical education ,qulaity imporvement projects of IP.