O3284: Improving Infection Prevention in Schools through a NICE book

Purpose/Objectives: We aimed to create a manual to provide up-to-date information and best practices on infection prevention for schools within Nebraska, using state-specific requirements and resources, which we entitled the NICE Book (Nebraska Infection Control in Education Book). This project was funded by an AAP Chapter Innovation Grant on Managing Infectious Disease in Schools. Nebraska-specific reporting requirements, locally available resources, as well as family-directed letter templates and infection prevention signage (in both English and Spanish) were provided free to schools via this book. A primary aim was to provide guidance to rural and urban schools in communities that lack access to pediatricians or pediatric knowledgeable infection prevention experts so that students, staff and families receive the best care and advice regardless of type of community.

Design/Methods: Manual writing occurred in August – November, 2023, in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Education, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Nebraska, Nebraska Extension, and Nebraska ICAP (Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program) with a cadre of rural school nurse advisors. The AAP grant paid for printing and distribution of 500 copies of the book for rural schools. A partner organization used grant funding to supply an additional 530 copies so that every public and non-public school in the state that wanted a physical copy was given one. Distribution took place in early 2024. The manual is also posted as a free online resource available for download from the Nebraska Department of Education Coordinated Student Support Services webpage. User input was solicited by optional survey on the website and follow up discussion with users.

Results: In 2024, the NICE Book was accessed online over 3,000 times with 1030 copies distributed, combined reaching 1308 schools, all 17 Educational Service Units, and 19 Local Health Departments in the state, impacting 328,649 students. One rural health department, with our permission, purchased and distributed an additional 72 copies to childcare centers. Limited survey data show positive reactions, noting the “wide variety of helpful information and pictures of certain illnesses and diseases” and “how easy it is to understand”.

Conclusion/Discussion: The need for a comprehensive and state-specific infection prevention manual for schools had been known for years. School nurses have high workloads and little time to seek out information from multiple sources, and many schools do not have access to a full-time school nurse so other staff must fill in. This manual was a partnership effort, made easier by Nebraska’s multi-agency group participation of AAP Training, Education, Assistance, Mentorship, and Support Program (TEAMS.) Other states are now interested in using or modeling this manual. The positive feedback and popularity of the NICE book reinforces the need and importance of getting usable and easy-to-read information into schools.