1209 - Promoting Chapter Excellence with the APIC Research Toolkit

Session Description: In June 2021, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) launched a new mission statement “to advance the science and practice of infection prevention and control”. To facilitate this mission, the 2022 strategic plan calls for the advancement of research competency among infection prevention (IP) professionals. The APIC research toolkit is an important step in achieving that mission. However, to “elevate and transform essential IP research competencies”, IPs need hands-on experience in applying the APIC research toolkit principles to their practice. This presentation will introduce the APIC research toolkit to the participants. Following the introduction, each participant will identify a research topic of interest and start an outline of the following five steps for getting started in research: topic, team, time, tasks, and troubleshooting. In an interactive format, participants will be guided through the process of writing a research question and the steps for conducting research. Real-world examples of IP-related research projects will be shared to demonstrate how to be successful. Tips on how to collaborate with librarians for literature searches, statisticians, and other professionals will also be covered. Throughout the presentation, participants will complete a worksheet that they can use to brainstorm how to identify team members, mentors, and collaborators. The presentation will conclude with a charge to share the APIC research toolkit with their chapter and create a plan to improve chapter excellence through the implementation of research.