Ms. Lauren Lawlor1, Ms. Emily Chapple1, Mr. Tim Bray1
1Epworth HealthCare, Australia
Biography:
Emily Chapple is a Registered Nurse with postgraduate qualifications in Infection Control (Graduate Certificate in Nursing Science – Infection Control Nursing) and Infectious Disease Epidemiology (Graduate Certificate in Infectious Disease Epidemiology). Emily has a keen interest in infectious disease epidemiology and infection prevention and control more broadly.
She is in the midst of completing her Master of Public Health. Emily is the Team Leader for Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) at Epworth HealthCare, leading a dedicated team of Clinical Nurse Consultants, and supporting the Group Preventing and Controlling Infections Committee.
Abstract:
Background
Involving consumers as partners in healthcare planning, design, measurement, and evaluation is mutually beneficial for healthcare organizations and a key requirement of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. To support consumer engagement in preventing and controlling infections, a not-for-profit hospital network integrated a consumer committee member on their Preventing and Controlling Infections Clinical Governance Committee.
Actions
The organisation’s Preventing and Controlling Infections Clinical Governance Committee discussed and endorsed the inclusion of a consumer member. Expressions of interest were sought from the organisation’s consumer advisor pool. After a recruitment process, a consumer member was oriented and onboarded onto the committee.
Results
The consumer committee member brought valuable lived experience, a keen interest in appropriate antibiotic use, and a passion for patient self-advocacy. Their involvement has provided a different and beneficial perspective to the committee, which includes members with highly technical and specialised backgrounds. The committee’s discussions were often technical and detailed, the consumer member’s involvement “helps ensure our focus on keeping our patients safe.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, the consumer member's input helped inform patient testing plans and communication strategies. Additionally, the consumer's involvement has enhanced health literacy by simplifying committee discussions, actions, and communications.
Conclusion
Including a consumer member on the Preventing and Controlling Infections Governance Committee has enriched committee discussions and outcomes, promoting improved health literacy and a heightened focus on patient-centered approaches to infection control.