Training the next generation of infection prevention leaders: A junior doctor quality improvement program
| Friday, August 28, 2026 |
| 10:40 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Tāwhirimātea 1 |
Overview
Sarah Browning
Sponsored by Solventum
Speaker
Dr Sarah Browning
Clinical Director
Hunter New England Local Health District
Training the Next Generation of Infection Prevention Leaders: A Junior Doctor Quality Improvement Program
Abstract
Background
Infection prevention and control (IPC) programs traditionally rely on specialist teams to drive practice improvement. However, frontline clinicians, particularly junior doctors, perform many invasive procedures and influence day-to-day clinical decision making. Despite this, structured opportunities for junior doctors to engage in IPC leadership and quality improvement are uncommon. To address this gap, a junior doctor–led IPC program was established in 2023 within Hunter New England Local Health District, Australia, to build infection prevention capability through mentorship, education, and quality improvement projects.
Methods
A structured program was developed in which junior medical officers (JMOs) participate in IPC education, mentorship from infection prevention and infectious disease specialists, and QI initiatives aligned with organisational priorities. Participants lead or contribute to projects addressing key IPC challenges, including vascular access practices, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and procedural safety. Activities include audits, education delivery to peers, project conceptualisation and implementation, and contributions to policy development. The program aims to develop practical skills in infection prevention, implementation science, and healthcare improvement.
Results
Since 2023, participants have led or contributed to multiple IPC initiatives, including projects focused on ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation practices and risk-based personal protective equipment use. The program has supported the development of JMOs' leadership in IPC, generated practical QI outputs such as audits and education initiatives, and fostered broader engagement of medical staff in infection prevention practice and culture. These initiatives demonstrate a scalable model for engaging junior clinicians in infection prevention activities that may be readily adapted by other health services.
Conclusion
Developing infection prevention capability among junior clinicians represents an important opportunity to strengthen patient safety and organisational capacity for IPC improvement. A structured junior doctor IPC program provides a practical model for building the next generation of infection prevention leaders and may be scalable across health systems internationally.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) programs traditionally rely on specialist teams to drive practice improvement. However, frontline clinicians, particularly junior doctors, perform many invasive procedures and influence day-to-day clinical decision making. Despite this, structured opportunities for junior doctors to engage in IPC leadership and quality improvement are uncommon. To address this gap, a junior doctor–led IPC program was established in 2023 within Hunter New England Local Health District, Australia, to build infection prevention capability through mentorship, education, and quality improvement projects.
Methods
A structured program was developed in which junior medical officers (JMOs) participate in IPC education, mentorship from infection prevention and infectious disease specialists, and QI initiatives aligned with organisational priorities. Participants lead or contribute to projects addressing key IPC challenges, including vascular access practices, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and procedural safety. Activities include audits, education delivery to peers, project conceptualisation and implementation, and contributions to policy development. The program aims to develop practical skills in infection prevention, implementation science, and healthcare improvement.
Results
Since 2023, participants have led or contributed to multiple IPC initiatives, including projects focused on ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation practices and risk-based personal protective equipment use. The program has supported the development of JMOs' leadership in IPC, generated practical QI outputs such as audits and education initiatives, and fostered broader engagement of medical staff in infection prevention practice and culture. These initiatives demonstrate a scalable model for engaging junior clinicians in infection prevention activities that may be readily adapted by other health services.
Conclusion
Developing infection prevention capability among junior clinicians represents an important opportunity to strengthen patient safety and organisational capacity for IPC improvement. A structured junior doctor IPC program provides a practical model for building the next generation of infection prevention leaders and may be scalable across health systems internationally.
Biography
Dr Sarah Browning, BMed MPHTM FRACP (Infectious Diseases) Sarah is an Infectious Diseases Physician and Clinical Director of the Infection Prevention Service at the Hunter New England Local Health District. She currently chairs the Hunter New England District Intravascular Access Device Committee. Dr. Browning is a Senior Lecturer and PhD candidate at the University of Newcastle, and an early-career researcher at the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infection Research Program.
