Mrs. Koratika Tiban1, Ms Amanda Singh1
1Infection Prevention and Control, New Zealand Health, Waikato Te Whatu Ora, New Zealand, Hamilton, New Zealand
Biography:
Koratika (Kora) Tiban:
Kora earned a Master’s degree in Nursing with a diverse and extensive nursing background over 35 years. Kora currently serves as a CNS.
Amanda Singh:
Amanda Singh currently serves as a CNS. She hold’s a post basic bachelor’s degree in Critical care with over 20years of nursing experience.
Abstract:
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) outbreaks pose significant challenges in healthcare settings, often necessitating extended periods of intensive infection control measures, including rigorous cleaning protocols. While such measures are critical to patient safety, prolonged outbreaks can inadvertently contribute to substantial staff burnout, impacting workforce well-being, morale, and ultimately patient care quality.
This presentation explores the intersection of evidence-based practice (EBP) and practice-based evidence (PBE) in addressing staff burnout during extended VRE outbreak responses. Drawing from current research and frontline staff experiences, we examine how infection control policies influence healthcare worker stress levels and operational capacity. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative burnout assessments and qualitative staff feedback, the study identifies key drivers of fatigue, including repetitive cleaning demands, heightened workload, and emotional strain from sustained outbreak vigilance.
By embracing the “Circles of Influence” framework, we demonstrate how integrating staff-derived evidence with established clinical guidelines can inform more sustainable infection control strategies. Recommendations include adaptive cleaning schedules, enhanced mental health supports, and participatory decision-making to balance infection control efficacy with staff resilience.
This abstract advocates for a dynamic feedback loop between EBP and PBE, fostering interventions that protect both patients and healthcare workers. Addressing burnout through this dual lens not only improves staff retention and satisfaction but also strengthens overall outbreak management, creating a more resilient healthcare environment.