Mrs Elisha Hazelman1
1Epworth Healthcare, Richmond, Australia
Biography:
Elisha Hazelman is an Infection Prevention and Control Clinical Nurse Consultant (IPC CNC) at Epworth HealthCare, with over 20 years of nursing experience, including a background in emergency nursing, and five years specialising in infection prevention in acute care.
Abstract:
Translating infection prevention and control (IPC) knowledge into consistent clinical practice remains challenging in complex healthcare environments where competing priorities influence decision-making. Variability in applying transmission-based precautions (TBPs), environmental cleaning requirements, and patient participation in shared activities increases the risk of healthcare-associated transmission.
An IPC-led initiative was undertaken to design and implement a standardised infection risk assessment tool across a metropolitan health service. Completed by IPC clinical nurse consultants, the tool provides structured, documented recommendations for clinical teams. It focuses on three domains: initiation, continuation and duration of TBPs, determination of cleaning requirements, and guidance on patient participation in group and communal activities. Implementation was supported by targeted education, stakeholder engagement, and integration into existing workflows.
Early observations indicate improved communication between IPC and clinical teams, increased awareness of infection risks, and greater consistency in precautionary practices. Formal evaluation is planned to assess impacts on TBP compliance, environmental cleaning, and safe participation in group activities.
This initiative demonstrates a practical approach to improving clarity and consistency in infection risk management by translating clinical risk into actionable guidance. Key lessons include the importance of structured decision support, stakeholder engagement, and embedding tools within routine workflows to support sustainable practice change.