Outcomes of a Needs Assessment: Informing the Development of an Infection Prevention and Control Toolkit for Missouri Schools

Abstract

Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) in schools is vital for student and staff health, yet current resources often fall short, exhibiting a narrow focus, overemphasis on COVID-19, and fragmented implementation, excluding school nurses. This manuscript details a comprehensive needs assessment conducted with Missouri school staff and subject matter experts. Through existing data review, listening sessions, and interviews, the assessment identified critical gaps in IPC training, preferred delivery methods (e.g., self-paced online modules and multimodal formats), and distinct resource needs for various school audiences (e.g., administrators, teachers, students, parents, facilities, food services, transportation, and athletics). Findings highlight the necessity of tailored, accessible, and consistently messaged IPC resources, emphasizing the crucial, yet often underutilized, central role of school nurses. This needs assessment informed the development of a responsive IPC Toolkit for Missouri Schools, aiming to bridge existing gaps and enhance school-based IPC.