Prof. Helen Rawson1, Dr Karen Harris1, Dr Victoria Team1, Dr Kaori Shimoinaba1, Prof Gabrielle Brand1, Mrs. Chris Lynch1, Prof Philip Russo1
1Monash University, Clayton, Australia
Biography:
Professor Helen Rawson is a Registered Nurse and Deputy Head at Monash University Nursing and Midwifery. Helen is widely recognised as a leading expert in gerontological nursing and aged care. Helen also has leadership roles in the aged care sector and nursing organisations. In 2020, Helen was one of the co-leads at Monash University that developed an infection control and personal protective equipment training program, delivered to >3,500 residential aged care workers, from >240 residential aged care homes across Victoria. Helen is now co-leading a project to co-design an infection prevention and control program for residential aged care.
Abstract:
Introduction
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety identified infection prevention and control (IPC) expertise and resources are urgently needed in residential aged care homes (RACHs). As part of a wider study to implement effective and sustainable IPC practices in RACHs, we explored the context, facilitators and barriers to effective IPC practices in this setting.
Methods
Residents, families and staff from two RACHs in Victoria were invited to participate in individual and focus group interviews, in-person or online, using an interview guide.
Results
Twenty-two people (residents, families, staff) participated. IPC was confirmed to be a very important issue in RACHs, requiring involvement of residents, families, visitors, staff and management. Main barriers to effective IPC practices include variability in residents’, visitors’ and staff’s IPC knowledge, health literacy, cultural practices and organisational culture. There was acknowledgement that COVID-19 led to positive changes in IPC policies and practices, however varied context-specific strategies is needed to ensure sustainability of practices in RACHs. Clear communication, ongoing education and a supportive organisational culture, with everyone ‘working together’, was identified as key. Opportunities for effective IPC include action-focused, up-to-date accessible information for everyone, continuous feedback on IPC challenges and establishing a positive organisational culture.
Conclusion
Effective and tailored IPC strategies for the ‘new normal’ environment should be developed and implemented in collaboration with residents, families and staff in RACHs. Multi-modal and multi-pronged strategies that supports engagement from everyone is necessary. These findings will be used to co-design and implement an IPC strategy in RACHs.