VIPTA is a statewide infection prevention and control education collaborative, led by the Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group. Through partnership, VIPTA curates IPC resources for Virginia’s healthcare, congregate care, and public health settings.
⏱️No Downtime Needed: Quick Training Hits for Safer Shifts
Looking for quick infection prevention education that sticks? This month’s resources focus on short but mighty trainings that fit into a busy clinical setting — perfect for reinforcing safety messages without pulling staff away from care.
What to expect: When time is tight, but safety still matters, these quick training hits deliver big impact without slowing staff down.
- VIPTC Assisted Blood Glucose Monitoring Video: A short video that bridges clinical care and infection prevention by reinforcing safe practices to reduce bloodborne infection risks during assisted blood glucose monitoring.
- Mini Trainings & Huddle Cards from North Dakota Health & Human Services: Ready-to-use videos, posters, quizzes, and huddle cards that make it easy to reinforce infection prevention topics through short, team-based learning moments.
- Pause for Prevention Program – Health Quality Innovation Network: This flexible, discussion-based program supports daily huddles with quick IPC conversation starters that promote critical thinking, team communication, and a strong safety culture.
Target Audience: Essential IPC Education Level
Want More? Keep an eye out for the VDH HAI/AR Infection Prevention Educator Roadshow. This one-day, no-cost hands-on training helps anyone who educates staff on infection prevention create quick, high-impact educational tools to use at their own facilities. Roadshow is coming to five locations across Virginia in July and August.
Target Audience: Intermediate IPC Education Level
VDH Southwest Regional Team Infection Prevention Mentorship Program
This month, Paige Bordwine, Southwest Regional Epidemiologist with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is highlighting the successes of an infection prevention mentorship program among health department staff in her region.
The Southwest Virginia Regional Infection Prevention team consists of three infection preventionists (IPs), supported by regional containment team members who assist with COVID-19 investigation and prevention. To strengthen IPC expertise and expand regional support, the IPs began mentoring containment team members. Through shadowing during on-site IPC assessments, mentees gained hands-on experience in conducting observations, providing education, and offering resources to address facility needs.
After facilities receive their recommendations report, an IP mentee follows up to address questions and needs, as well as provide education, observations, and interventions based on the IPC assessment. Notably, many skilled nursing and congregate care facilities lacked trained N95 fit testers. In response, the regional team assigned a specialist to conduct train-the-trainer sessions and assist with initial fit testing.
The Southwest Region has received excellent feedback on the value of the IP mentee program. Facilities benefit from mentee support, while mentees gain infection prevention experience, often using the program as a pathway to becoming infection preventionists and pursuing certification in infection control. Mentees describe the experience as rewarding, impactful, and an invaluable learning opportunity.
