Dr Jessica Schults1,2, Ms Karina Charles1,2, Prof Claire Rickard1,2, Prof Lisa Hall2,3
1University Of Queensland, School of Nursing Midwifery and Social Work, Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Australia, 2Herston Infectious Diseases Institute, Metro North Health, Herston, Australia, 3The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Herston, Australia
Biography:
Jessica is a Senior Research Fellow at the Herston Infectious Diseases Institute and the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work at The University of Queensland. Jessica's work focuses on reducing healthcare-associated infections through improved surveillance systems, safer invasive device care, and the rapid translation of evidence into practice.
Abstract:
Introduction
Quality monitoring in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is often system-led, with limited input from consumers regarding the outcomes that matter most to them. This may result in gaps between institutional metrics and parent priorities. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are common in PICUs and contribute significantly to both health and economic burdens.
Objectives
To evaluate the alignment between parent-identified priorities for PICU quality and safety measurement and the clinical and economic burden of HAIs in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) PICUs.
Methods
Two concurrent studies were conducted. First, a cross-sectional survey of 117 parents of children admitted to ANZ PICUs captured consumer-ranked priorities for quality and safety measurement. Second, a retrospective cohort study analysed routinely collected clinical and costing data to assess HAI prevalence, associated outcomes, and costs across 8,437 PICU admissions.
Results
Parents identified bloodstream and surgical site infections among their top 10 measurement priorities. The cohort study revealed pneumonia (including hospital- and ventilator-associated) as the most prevalent HAI, with an incidence rate of 46.5 per 100 PICU bed days. HAIs were associated with significantly longer PICU stays, fewer ventilator-free days, and increased healthcare costs (mean additional cost: +AUD$144,711).
Conclusion
Parent-identified priorities closely align with the actual burden of HAIs in PICUs, particularly bloodstream infections and pneumonia. These findings underscore the value of integrating consumer perspectives into infection prevention strategies to enhance safety and quality in paediatric critical care.