Artificial Intelligence in Infection Prevention and Control: Practical Uses Today and Innovations for Tomorrow

Professor Brett Mitchell (AM)¹

¹Avondale University and is Editor-in-Chief of Infection, Disease in Health

Biography:

Brett works at the Central Coast Local Health District in NSW, is a Professor of Nursing at Avondale University and is Editor-in-Chief of Infection, Disease in Health. Brett has worked in the area of infection control for many years in Australia and abroad, including leading infection control programs in hospitals and at a State level. Brett has been involved with many national contributions to IPC, including with the NHMRC and ACSQHC. Prof Mitchell is a Fellow of ACIPC and the Australian College of Nursing. As a clinician-researcher, his favourite research interests include environmental cleaning, pneumonia, surveillance and urinary tract infections. Brett has been awarded an Order of Australia for services to nursing and infection control, inducted into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame and received the Commonwealth Health Ministers awards for excellence in health and medical research.

Abstract:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare through its ability to analyse complex data, identify patterns, and support rapid decision-making. In infection prevention and control (IPC), AI offers powerful opportunities to improving efficiency of every day work, enhance surveillance, risk prediction and outbreak detection. This presentation provides an introduction to AI concepts and relevant uses to IPC professionals, including uses in training, policy and document development.

An exploration of how these technologies can and are being applied across healthcare settings will be undertaken. Beyond current applications, the talk will highlight recent developments in AI-driven IPC research, including in areas around the environment, clinical audits and hand hygiene. The presentation will also consider key challenges, including data quality.

By showcasing both practical examples and future directions, this session aims to equip IPC professionals with an understanding of how AI can complement their work.