Sally Healy1
1Queensland Infection Prevention and Control Unit, Communicable Diseases Branch
Biography:
Sally Healy is an Assistant Director of Nursing with the Queensland Infection Prevention and Control Unit. She has a strong statewide focus on ensuring quality improvement, and advocates at every level for good patient outcomes. Sally has over 15 years’ experience in infection prevention and control, leading programs in private and public facilities, vascular access, and strategic leadership at a department level. Her qualifications include a Masters of Advanced Practice in Infection Prevention and Control and holds expert level credentialling with the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control.
Abstract:
Healthcare associated infection (HAI) continues to impact the morbidity and mortality of patients, increasing complexity of care, length of stay and associated healthcare costs. HAI surveillance provides an opportunity to drive improvements to systems and practices, reducing the impacts whilst leading to safer patient care.
With the importance of improving care and outcomes for patients, The Queensland Infection Prevention and Control Unit (QIPCU) undertook a formal review of the HAI surveillance definitions for Queensland Health, the first in 12years. This was in collaboration between the Herston Infectious Diseases Institute, and senior Infection Prevention and Control Professionals from across Queensland. Validated research methodology was used to ensure the definitions reflected contemporary practice and included both National and International definitions.
The definitions were released in November 2024 to Queensland Health facilities. Implementation of the updated definitions was anticipated to improve the validity and quality of data being collected, though important to note there may be fluctuation of HAI surveillance rates in response to the updates. The implementation approach was multipronged, and ongoing assistance and support is available to end users.
The definitions have been adopted statewide and have brought alignment to the application of HAI definitions across the state.