NATIONAL INFECTION CONTROL WEEK
Educational Events
Providing education is an ideal way to promote Infection Control Week. Before and during the planning process consider the following basic principles:
a) Planning
- Mandate
- Your theme should determine the major focus of your presentation
- Target Groups
- remember your target groups
- consider their knowledge base, functions and needs
- Learning Strategies
- adult learners have a concentration span of 30 minutes (keep presentations short and have breaks between sessions)
- adults learn by doing (have hands-on demonstrations)
- adults learn through participation (involve staff; have question periods; ask staff to sit on discussion panels)
- receptive learning is increased by an appeal to all senses (vary the formats, such as lectures, films, displays)
- Organization
- take time to plan, arrange and assess
- be realistic in determining the duration and extent of your presentations
- a small number of activities, well planned and properly presented, can be very effective
- adhere to your schedule (start presentations on time, do not let them run overtime)
- Costing
- consistently update and review your cost estimates
- if your expectations and your available funds are not in sync, consider alternatives
b) Scheduling
- Schedule activities to encourage participation by as much staff as possible
- avoid peak work times
- do "reruns" to cover all shifts
- tape presentations for staff who cannot be present
- combine presentations with other activities (e.g. noontime lunch, during meetings)
- keep records of attendance for evaluation purposes
c) Locations
- Consider presentations in hallways and high-traffic areas
- Book presentation sites in writing
- Choose sites of appropriate size - not too small, not too large
- Arrange for sufficient seating
d) Speakers
- Fees for speakers will vary with their profiles.
- A well known speaker is a drawing card, but the fee may not be affordable.
- Obtain a firm quote. Ask if personal expenses are included in the fee.
- In-house and associate speakers can be resources whose expertise has never been fully recognized - and they are affordable!
- Contact your peers. You may be able to share the cost of a speaker.
- Consider having the speaker sponsored by industry.
- Book speakers and confirm the engagement in writing. Request speaker's curriculum vitae for the introductions and ascertain what audiovisual equipment they will require
- Make arrangements such as travel and accommodation for out-of-town speakers if it is required.
- Meet speakers and see to their comfort.
- Send a follow-up letter of appreciation to all presenters.
- Have a contingency plan in case a speaker cancels.
e) Audiovisual aids
- Preview, book and confirm films and videos
- Pre-load electronic presentation material on a laptop prior to the event if possible
- Prepare handouts, overheads and displays that are brief, attractive and legible.
- Be certain the audiovisual equipment is available and working.