Mrs. Ivy Oblenda-Gabatan1, Corinne Miles2, Michelle Doidge2, Belinda Henderson3
1QLD Department of Health, ACIPC, Brisbane, Australia, 2QLD Department of Health, 3QLD Department of Health, ACIPC, WHO GOARN,
Biography:
Ivy Oblenda-Gabatan is a Clinical Nurse Consultant and ACIPC Expert Credentialed Infection Control Professional with over 30 years in nursing and 13+ years in infection prevention. Holding a Master’s in Infectious Disease Intelligence, she contributes to research, policy, and education in outbreak preparedness, public health and hand hygiene improvement initiatives.
Abstract:
Problem/Issue
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) requires all Australian health service organisations to implement the National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI) to meet accreditation requirements. Queensland Health has historically relied on ACSQHC to provide support. The introduction of a new online auditor training pathway via the NHHI Learning Management System (LMS) in 2022 has intensified workload pressures, with staff facing difficulties balancing training requirements and clinical duties. Challenges with LMS navigation have led to a reduction in qualified auditors.
What We Did
In response, the Queensland Infection Prevention and Control Unit (QIPCU) launched a statewide hand hygiene support program in January 2024. QIPCU reduced administrative burden by developing LMS and HHCApp guidance tools, and issuing targeted communications, including exemptions for low-risk facilities and support for voluntary submission of audit period 2. An automated "Contact Us" form streamlined support requests, recording 438 enquiries to QIPCU, removing 170 hours of troubleshooting in LMS from the hospitals between July 2024 and April 2025.
Results
Empowering hand hygiene program leads, enable them to focus on quality improvement. Consequently, Queensland saw new initiatives emerge, including executive leader engagement, revitalised educational strategies, and statewide resource sharing. QIPCU's renewed leadership and structure for hand hygiene improved program engagement across Queensland.
Conclusion
QIPCU provided renewed leadership and structure for hand hygiene, improving program engagement across Queensland.
Lessons Learnt
Digital transformation must be supported by clear systems, responsive support, and effective change management and leadership.