Ms Donna Taylor1, Ms Geraldine Freriks2
1GIPPSLAND SOUTHERN HEALTH SERVICE, Leongatha, Australia, 2WEST GIPPSLAND HEALTHCARE GROUP, Warragul, Australia
Biography:
Donna Taylor is an experienced Infection Prevention & Control Consultant with 12 years in IPC roles across Queensland and Victoria. She served as the Victorian Jurisdictional Hand Hygiene Coordinator for four years, delivering training across public and private hospitals. Donna holds postgraduate qualifications in Infection Control and Critical Care Nursing.
Abstract:
Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) is the foundation to patient safety, providing high quality healthcare, and reducing the risk of healthcare-associate infections (HAIs). However, when employing novice IPC professionals in rural health settings this presents a significant risk for organisations and patient safety. For rural hospitals to deliver high-quality, safe patient care requires a well-structured, well resourced, and effectively supported IPC practitioner and program.
A thorough review of the IPC program revealed significant gaps, including inadequate surveillance, audits, education, and overdue policies. Though most concerning was the lack of a staff health database, along with staff non-compliance with isolation protocols, such as signage and personal protective equipment (PPE), and insufficient IPC data reporting to the committee.
To address these issues there should be the establishment of a sustainable, structured IPC program incorporating key components of standard 3, ensuring patient safety, delivering high-quality care, and meeting accreditation standards. This will enhance staff understanding and adherence to IPC practices, as well as strategies for diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Restructuring of the IPC committee meetings provide a more systematic approach for reporting data.
Rural health services face challenges in attracting experienced IPC professionals. While, employing novice IPCs offers an immediate solution, it poses a considerable risk for organisations and patient safety. Novice IPC professionals should consider gaining experience in larger, well-supported and resourced hospitals, receive proper training, and mentoring. Additionally, they should be pursuing postgraduate studies in Infection Control, before taking on a solo role in a rural hospital.