Dr Matt Mason2,4,6, Dr Jocelyne Basseal3, Ms Roslyn Walker2, Dr Peta-anne Zimmerman1,4,5
1Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia, 2University of Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia, 3University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, 4Collaboration for the Advancement of Infection Prevention and Control, Australia, 5Gold Coast Health, Southport, Australia, 6Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research, Sippy Downs, Australia
Biography:
Dr Matt Mason is a credentialled IPC expert with over 15 years’ experience in austere and low-resource settings. He is a technical adviser to WHO and GOARN, co-director of CAIPC, Board Director of ACIPC, and serves on the executive of the Pacific Regional Infectious Disease Association.
Abstract:
Introduction
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) professionals played a central role during the early COVID-19 pandemic, yet their perspectives remain under-examined. This study explores their preparedness, challenges, and contributions globally, to identify enablers and barriers relevant to future outbreak response.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was distributed through the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network and international IPC networks in 2024. The survey included quantitative items on preparedness, training, and institutional response. Quantitative survey data was analysed descriptively using SPSS with open question subjected to thematic analysis. Results were integrated thematically.
Results
Eighty-six participants from 19 countries completed the survey. Four key themes emerged. 1) Establishing IPC as critical expertise: While 73.2% had greater than five years of experience, only 55.4% believed that IPC was prioritised by management, and many described being overlooked relative to public health. 2) Confronting the psychological toll of IPC work: Participants reported high stress; nearly 55% expressed concern about personal risk, and qualitative data revealed trauma and burnout. 3) Navigating shifting guidance and policy: Despite 76.3% reporting access to IPC policies, participants described fractured communication and loss of credibility due to inconsistent public health messaging at all jurisdictional levels. 4) Managing resource scarcity and workforce strain: Almost 20% reported frequent personal protective equipment shortages and only 53.4% agreed they had the resources to meet their IPC responsibilities.
Conclusion
For future outbreak readiness, IPC must be fully integrated into leadership structures with adequate authority, resources, and support, including investment in workforce development and mental health resilience.