Dr Alexander Mutsonziwa1, Dr Paul Glew1, Dr Su Htet Htet2
1Western Sydney University, Parramatta South Campus, Sydney, Australia, 2The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia
Biography:
Dr Gift Mutsonziwa is a lecturer at Western Sydney University – Faculty of Health Sciences- School of Nursing and Midwifery. Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) (Infection Control); CNC Clinical Practice; CNC ASET, and Clinical Nurse Educator (Emergency Department). He is currently an OSCE Examiner for AHPRA for internationally trained nurses
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Emerging and re-emerging respiratory viral infections continue to strain healthcare systems. The Emergency Department (ED) is a high-risk setting for cross-transmission due to operational pressures, structural constraints, behavioural factors, and the triage nurse’s role as the first point of contact for undifferentiated presentations. Despite existing infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, consumer-focused guidance is limited and implementation of preventive strategies is often delayed, increasing risks to both patients and healthcare workers. This project aim to develop innovative, consumer-centred IPC strategies through partnerships between caregivers and healthcare workers to strengthen respiratory infection control in the ED.
METHODS
This project comprises three phases: (1) a systematic review of caregiver engagement in IPC for respiratory infections; (2) a national survey examining consumer engagement, perceived roles, and current IPC practices in Australian EDs; and (3) co-design and implementation of IPC strategies with consumers and healthcare workers. The current phase is a systematic review guided by Khan et al.(2003)’s five-step framework. Searches from Web of Science, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google Scholar were conducted in April 2026. Study screening and appraisal were supported by Covidence and Joanna Briggs Institute tools consecutively, with reporting aligned to SWiM guidelines.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies (17 quantitative, 4 qualitative) are under analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that caregiver engagement is critical yet underutilised, with key themes including communication, shared responsibility, and behavioural support.
CONCLUSION
Consumer engagement is central to strengthening IPC in high-risk ED settings and will inform co-designed strategies to reduce viral transmission and improve safety in the Emergency Department waiting area.