Prof Helen Rawson1, Dr Karen Harris1, Dr Victoria Team1, Dr Kaori Shimoinaba1, Dr Katrina Long1, Prof Gabrielle Brand1, Mrs. Chris Lynch1, Mrs. Samantha Dix1, Prof Debra Griffiths1, Prof Brett Mitchell1,2, Prof Julia Morphet1, Prof Grant Russell1, Dr Samantha Sevenhuysen1,4, A/Prof Andrew Stewardson1,3, Prof Philip Russo1
1Monash University, Clayton, Australia, 2Avondale University, Sydney, Australia, 3Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia, 4Peninsula Health, Frankston, Australia
Biography:
Helen Rawson is a Registered Nurse and Professor at Monash University. Helen is a leading expert in gerontological nursing and aged care. In 2020, she co-led the upskilling of >3500 residential aged care workers in infection prevention and control.
Karen Harris is the Senior Project Coordinator for the A-PRECISE study.
Abstract:
Introduction
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighted an urgent need for infection prevention and control (IPC) resources in residential aged care homes (RACHs). We co-designed a novel IPC strategy with residents, family members and staff, and piloted it across two RACHs. The resultant A-PRECISE (Australia – PReventing infECtions In reSidential agEd care) Model delivers action-based, context-specific, messages about preventing infections and includes video, poster, audio and written resources. Here, we describe evaluation of the Model.
Methods
After a four-month implementation period at two RACHs in Victoria, residents (7), families (5) and staff (10) participated in semi-structured individual and group interviews, in-person or online, using an interview guide. Participants were asked about the implementation, content, feasibility and impact of the Model. Data were analysed using thematic analysis techniques.
Results
Most participants had engaged with the A-PRECISE Model and found the content clear and appropriate. The use of context-specific imagery to communicate about IPC, for example photographs of residents washing their hands, was reported to enhance overall engagement. The resident-driven messaging supported staff confidence and visitor receptiveness. Direct examples of changed behaviours included more frequent hand hygiene, and families feeling empowered to raise concerns. Overall, ongoing use of these resources was recommended since they provided “quick wins” at a minimal cost.
Conclusion
The A-PRECISE Model facilitates a person-centred, positive IPC culture in RACHs aimed at enhancing compliance with IPC guidelines. Future work will explore the effectiveness and implementation outcomes in a larger scale project.