Australian Infection Prevention and Control– A comparison survey of Australia’s states and territories healthcare associated infection and Infection Prevention and Control programs
Kathy Dempsey1, Mary Louise McLaws2, Susan Jain 1,2, Kate Clezy1, Annette Pantle3, Patricia Bradd1, , 1Nsw Health Clinical Excellence Commission, St Leonards, NSW, Australia2UNSW, Randwick, NSW, Australia3Medical Council, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Background
In Australia, state, territory, and national healthcare associated infection (HAI) programs were established to promote patent safety and reduce HAIs but has fallen short in providing clinician engagement and uptake. Comparison of these programs is limited with poor study participation and a historical focus on surveillance rather than Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) as an overarching program. As Australia navigates to establishing a national coordinating body similar to a Centres for Disease Control (CDC), a comparison of jurisdictional programs is both timely and essential to ensure IPC, and jurisdictions leading IPC, have contemporary information to inform proposed structures and operations moving forward.
Method
The research was conducted in two phases. Phase one of this study examined outward facing jurisdictional websites likely to be accessed by clinicians, and phase two using a qualitative questionnaire survey to obtain more in-depth detail and characteristics from each jurisdiction.
Results
Considerable variability was seen across all program websites, governance, reporting structures, nomenclature and content focus. There was no apparent national focus or alignment. Three out of eight jurisdictions, 37% of Australia, did not have a formal statewide HAI or IPC program at the time of the survey.
Conclusion
The complex nature, variability and structure inconsistencies across jurisdictional HAI programs has potentially contributed to a disconnected approach to IPC programs in Australia that fails to adequately support clinicians with IPC. Addressing these gaps nationally would provide solid IPC foundations across Australia to support clinicians and strengthen our position in any future Australian CDC.
Biography
Kathy is a Board Director for ACIPC, Chair of the credentialling and professional standards committee and member on the Editorial Board for ACIPC journal. Is the inaugural NSW Chief ICP and HAI Advisor at the CEC, NSW IPAC COVID-19 Response Clinical Lead. Is a member on many state and national IPC Expert advisory committees. Acknowledged for her contribution as an expert on the Australian Infection Control Expert group for COVID-19 and awarded the colleges prestigious Clair Boardman medal for leadership 2022. Kathy is recognised nationally and internationally has a number of publications. Currently completing future leader of healthcare DrPH.