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.