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. 2023 Jul:19:100228.
doi: 10.1016/j.clinpr.2023.100228.

A 'train the trainers' approach to infection prevention and control training in pandemic conditions

Kathryn A Haigh  1   2 , Francesca Liuzzi  1 , Sharon Irvine  1 , Alison Thompson  3 , Edward Hepworth  3 , Marie-Claire Hoyle  1 , James Cruise  1 , Paul Hine  1 , Naomi F Walker  1   4
Affiliations

A 'train the trainers' approach to infection prevention and control training in pandemic conditions

Kathryn A Haigh et al. Clin Infect Pract. 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Background: The first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic in early 2020 required a rapid roll-out of infection prevention and control (IPC) training for healthcare workers (HCW), including use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Education about respiratory droplet and aerosol transmission was of paramount importance to ensure safe working practices and improve confidence.

Methods: A joint working group of Infectious Diseases and IPC staff developed a 'train the trainers' programme, to be rapidly deployed over a three-week period. This model utilised a snowballing approach, training selected staff with the intention that they would train their teams, facilitating swift cascading of information. Targeted invitations prompted staff from diverse departments of the hospital to attend. Pre- and post-session questionnaires evaluated staff confidence with regard to appropriate PPE use.

Results: The programme trained 130 HCW over a three week period, was well received and led to increased confidence with PPE use amongst staff. Real-time evaluation ensured content could be adapted to the specific needs of HCW involved. We highlight perceived gaps in training despite existing and enhanced training structures.

Conclusion: Provision of face-to-face training in transmission-based precautions, including PPE use, is required to maintain confidence in safe and appropriate IPC amongst hospital staff. We highlight the importance of including non-clinical staff in PPE educational programmes, recognising that these roles are vital for patient care and are frequently patient-facing. We recommend adopting the train the trainers model to facilitate rapid dissemination of education, with interactive multidisciplinary training in future outbreaks to improve HCW confidence and effective IPC.

Keywords: COVID-19; Education; IPC; Infection; Pandemic; Training.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Cadres of staff attending training. AHP = allied healthcare professional, HCA = healthcare assistant, NA = field not completed.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Distribution of confidence scores pre- and post-training.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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