From Boring to Brilliant: Making Infection Prevention Memorable Using Artificial Intelligence

Session Description: Infection Preventionists (IPs) are expected to deliver critical education across many different departments and disciplines, but in fast-paced healthcare settings, it is a challenge to keep learners engaged and ensure the message sticks. This session introduces a creative, efficient approach to designing multisensory infection prevention education that captures attention, boosts retention, and fits into even the busiest IP’s schedule.

The presenter will describe a two-year transformation of standard infection prevention topics into lively, creatively-themed sessions for Environmental Services (EVS) technicians, bedside nurses, and new nursing assistants using artificial intelligence (AI). A prehistoric-themed cleaning workshop sparked curiosity among EVS teams, while a magical theme captivated certified nursing assistant (CNA) students. A quiz show-style refresher helped seasoned nurses reconnect with foundational practices.

Each session is designed to support four learning styles. Visual learners engage with custom visuals and videos. Auditory learners benefit from audio clips. Readers and writers receive concise handouts with note-taking prompts. Kinesthetic learners participate in hands-on demonstrations, such as using fluorescent powder to reveal hidden germs.

This multisensory approach supports diversity, equity, and inclusion by accommodating varied cognitive strengths, language proficiencies, and cultural backgrounds. It ensures equitable access to infection prevention knowledge. Feedback surveys and knowledge assessments show increased retention, satisfaction, and demand for more sessions.

To make this approach replicable, the presenter will provide a simple audience planning handout to help IPs align delivery methods with departmental workflows, learner preferences, and cognitive load best practices. Live, interactive demonstrations of AI tools will help boost attendees’ creativity by organizing ideas into storylines, generating copyright-safe graphics, and producing easy worksheets.

Participants will leave the session with renewed creative energy, tangible examples of multisensory impact, and a practical plan to transform one of their infection prevention topics into an audience-tuned, multisensory lesson ready for onboarding, student programs, or annual competencies.

Jessica Fargher

Infection Preventionist, Carle Health

Jessica Fargher, BA, is an Infection Preventionist at Carle Health with over three years of experience in infection prevention and a deep passion for delivering engaging, multisensory education. Known for her creativity and audience-centered approach, she has developed themed infection prevention programs tailored to a variety of learners across nursing, environmental services, and student groups. Jessica brings a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective to healthcare education. Before her work in infection prevention, she held various roles, including environmental health specialist in public health, water lab technician, and biological science intern, where she tracked salmon movements for the Bureau of Reclamation. Additionally, she served for a decade in the Army National Guard as an Armorer and Supply Specialist. This diverse experience has enabled her to connect effectively with learners from all backgrounds and departments, making complex topics in infection prevention both accessible and memorable.

Patricia Willeman

Director of Quality, St. Croix Health

Patty Willeman serves as the Director of Quality at St. Croix Health, an independent Critical Access Hospital in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. She brings over a decade of experience in infection prevention and healthcare quality. In her role, Patty oversees key functions including quality services, infection control, risk management, regulatory compliance and accreditation, employee health, and emergency preparedness. She is passionate about driving a culture of quality, patient safety, and excellence in care. Patty is also committed to continuous professional growth and the integration of best practices in healthcare quality and safety.