Mrs Samantha Butenko1, Mrs Nicole Vause1
1Department for Health & Wellbeing, Adelaide, Australia
Biography:
Both presenters work for the Department of Health and Wellbeing-Nicole Vause is the Nursing Clinical Practice Director for Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) within Safety and Quality Unit- Clinical System Support & Improvement division and Sam Butenko is the Nursing Director of Infection Control Service within CDCB Public Health Division.
Abstract:
The South Australian (SA) Health healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance program, led by the Infection Control Service (ICS) for over 20 years, is well established and highly regarded. However, increasing system complexity, evolving service demands, and limitations of legacy data systems have reduced efficiency, timeliness, and the ability of HAI data to inform patient safety decisions.
In response, the Infection Control Service and Safety and Quality Unit undertook a joint initiative to examine these challenges, focusing on improving efficiency, timeliness, and support for responsive infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. This work aligned with a recommendation from the Health Chief Executives’ Council to ensure the program meets contemporary healthcare needs.
A mixed-method approach was used, including a state-wide survey and multidisciplinary roundtable, supported by a modified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) framework. Findings indicated strong support, particularly for standardisation, robust data collection, and insights into HAI trends. Key challenges included limited interoperability, reliance on legacy systems, reporting delays, and resource burden, especially in regional settings. Stakeholders emphasised the need for improved automation, real-time data access, strengthened governance, and targeted workforce support.
The review has informed a strategic direction focused on digital innovation, including leveraging the state-wide electronic medical record and exploring data lake capabilities to develop a contemporary HAI dashboard.
This work demonstrates the importance of evolving surveillance systems that collaborate with stakeholders and translate HAI data into the “patient safety menu,” enabling a sustainable, responsive program that supports informed decision-making and improved outcomes across South Australia.