Ms Mataya Kilpatrick1,3,4, Professor Ana Hutchinson1,2,3,4, Professor Elizabeth Manias6, Associate Professor Stéphane Bouchoucha1,3,4,5
1Deakin University, Geelong, Australia, 2Deakin University, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Epworth Healthcare Partnership., Geelong, Australia, 3Deakin University, Centre for Innovation in Infectious Disease and Immunology Research (CIIDIR), Geelong, Australia, 4Deakin University, Institute of Health Transformation, Centre for Quality & Patient Safety Research, Geelong, Australia, 5Adjunct Faculty, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India, 6Monash University, Clayton, Australia
Biography:
Mataya Kilpatrick is a Lecturer in Nursing and PhD candidate at Deakin University. A Registered Nurse with over 10 years’ experience, her research focuses on paediatric infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, consumer engagement and mortality salience in acute care, particularly involving nurses and families.
Abstract:
Background
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) are essential components of safe, high-quality hospital care. While clinicians lead these practices, the perspectives of paediatric healthcare consumers, including parents and children receiving care, are less frequently explored. Engaging consumers is recognised as a key strategy in national efforts to improve antimicrobial use and reduce antimicrobial resistance. This study examined how parents and children understand and participate in IPC and AMS in acute care.
Methods
A qualitative exploratory descriptive study was conducted with 26 paediatric healthcare consumers recruited from adolescent, oncology and surgical wards in an Australian tertiary paediatric hospital. Participants included 24 parents and two hospitalised children.
Results
Thematic and content analysis derived four themes from the data. (1) Perceived vulnerability to hospital-acquired infection was a common concern, particularly in shared rooms and emergency departments. (2) Parental advocacy in Infection Prevention and Control was evident, with parents often raising concerns or asking questions to reduce risk, though some were unsure how their input would be received. (3) Communication and confidence in care were closely linked. Clear, consistent information supported involvement, while limited communication led to confusion. (4) Hypervigilance in the post-COVID context shaped families’ attentiveness to hygiene and infection prevention expectations.
Conclusion
This study highlights the important role of parents and children in IPC and AMS in acute care. Supporting their involvement through clear communication, recognition of advocacy, and awareness of ongoing post-COVID concerns can enhance infection prevention efforts and promote more effective antimicrobial use.