Challenges, changes, and opportunities for infection prevention and control professionals in pandemic times
Su-yin Hor1, Jennifer Plumb1, Chris Degeling2, Claire Hooker3, Lyn Gilbert31University Of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia2University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia3The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic elevated the significance and impact of infection prevention and control across health care. There is a growing body of literature on the pandemic experiences of the hospital workforce, but few studies examining the experiences of IPC specialists (also known as ICPs). This presentation described the pandemic experiences of ICPs – across hospitals, aged care, government and public health organisations. We report on how ICP roles and responsibilities changed during the pandemic, identify the challenges faced, and the opportunities ahead for the ICP profession.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews with 37 ICPs in NSW and VIC were conducted and recorded online. Transcripts were analysed thematically.
Results
Participants described their pandemic experiences as extremely challenging, but also transformative. They described changes in colleagues’ understandings of the breadth, diversity and impact of infection prevention and control as a specialty. ICPs had to rapidly upskill and take on new responsibilities, not always with additional authority, although several were in newly created ICP positions at senior levels. In aged care, IPC lead roles were seen as well-intentioned, but poorly supported, although facilities are developing strategies to support and sustain these roles. Many participants were involved in creating communities of practice, mentorship and collegiality to support ICP colleagues.
Conclusion
The pandemic has had significant impacts on the wellbeing of the ICP workforce, but it has also made visible the importance of ICP skillsets and expertise. This study describes opportunities that ICPs have created and harnessed, to foster and grow the profession beyond pandemic times.
Biography
Suyin Hor is a social scientist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Public Health at the University of Technology, Sydney. She specialises in patient safety, infection prevention and control, and collaborative learning in health care.