Mrs Kathy Dempsey1,2, Prof Mary Louise McLaws2, Dr Susan Jain1,2, Dr Annette Pantle3, Dr Patricia Bradd1
1Clinical Excellence Commission – Nsw Health, St Leonards, Australia
2School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
3Medical Council of NSW, Sydney, Australia
Method: This study examined the characteristics of the HAI Programs across Australian national, states and territories and level of focus placed on IPC through publicly available. websites followed by a qualitative survey of jurisdictional program leads using a questionnaire.
Results: There were variations to websites and consistent complexity for navigation. Differences were reported on staffing levels, resources, competency levels. governance, title of programs and focus areas, however themes within programs mostly consistent.
Conclusion The complex nature, varied governance, staffing, resources, expertise and program priority differences and the lack of a consistent statewide governance structure has potentially contributed to a disconnected approach to IPC programs that fails to adequately support the notion of clinician engagement to IPC and also raises additional questions around national approach and narrative for an Australian CDC.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a focus for Infection Prevention and Control and unprecedented interest from all walks of the healthcare and non-healthcare system. There is little research information on state and national structures for Infection Prevention and Control across Australia. In Australia state and national programs were created to respond to healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and their prevention, however understanding the structures, connection or lack there off possibly the cause for historical disengagement by clinicians. This study compared the jurisdictional programs to begin to understand the complexities and need for improvement.
Biography: Kathy Dempsey is NSW inaugural Chief ICP and HAI Advisor for Clinical Excellence Commission; NSW IPAC COVID-19 Response Clinical Lead and a credentialed expert ICP. With 37 years’ experience in health and 25years in Infection Prevention and Control. Well known nationally with extensive and broad expertise and lived experience in IPAC in health, aged care and non health environments with particular experience in biocontainment and outbreak management. She possesses high level analytical and research skills . Provides advice and expertise to many national bodies and a board director of ACIPC.