Infection Prevention and Control Professionals: Stress, resilience, personality traits, and views about their workforce and profession

Brett Mitchell^1,2

¹Avondale University, Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia
²Central Coast Local Health District, Gosford, NSW, Australia

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic placed considerable strain on the infection control professional (ICP) workforce. The aim of this study is to form a better understanding of the current challenges and opportunities faced by the ICP workforce. Specifically, the study seeks to understand current levels of stress, resilience, personality traits and workforce trends for ICPs in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods
An anonymous cross-sectional survey of ICPs was conducted, commencing in May 2023. Those who worked in the field of ICP in Australia or New Zealand were eligible to participate, inclusive of those who work in hospitals, aged care, office-based practice, government or academic institutions. Participants were recruited via the ACIPC network, in addition social media and presentations at IPC training events. Resilience and stress levels were assessed via validated tools. Personality traits of participants was determined using the Big Five personality test. Questions related to workforce were also posed.

Results
To date, approximately 300 participants have completed the survey. Results related to levels of stress and resilience of IPCs in additional to workforce trends, will be presented, stratified by workplace, geography and experience. An overview of the personality traits of the IPC workforce will be discussed.

Conclusion
Findings may help inform strategies to support to the IPCs workforce now and into the future. There is also the opportunity to use findings to improve advocacy for the profession.

Biography

Professor Brett Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief of Infection, Disease in Health. He works at the Central Coast Local Health District in NSW and is Professor of Nursing at Avondale University. Brett is a Fellow of ACIPC and the Australian College of Nursing. Brett has worked in the area of infection control for many years, including leading infection control programs in hospitals and at a State level.