Stacey Shar1, Jenny Stackelroth1, Michael Wishart2, Tony Allworth1, Anna Sartor1
1Mater Health, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
2St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside, Chermside, Queensland, Australia
Background
Transmission-based Precautions (TBP) have been a vital component of infection control measures used in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens for many years. Currently, three different categories are used singularly or in combination, for the different transmission routes – Contact, Droplet, and Airborne. Requirements including personal protective equipment (PPE), are presented on signs which are displayed outside patient-care rooms/areas. There has been long-standing debate regarding the respective role of “droplets” and “aerosols” in healthcare-associated transmission. Importantly, since the advent of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, confusion among healthcare workers (HCW) has been evident regarding appropriate room allocation, signage and PPE. To reduce HCW confusion we propose to simplify the number of categories from three to two, known as Respiratory Precautions (to replace the existing Droplet and Airborne) and Contact Precautions.
Method
Preliminary data on existing sign use and knowledge will be collected to define the level of compliance with current signs. A trial of the new categories and signage will be conducted in 3 wards from July to December 2023. The effectiveness of the sign will be evaluated by direct observational audits of staff practice by infection control practitioners. Data will be collected in the Measurement, Analysis and Reporting System (MARS) and analysed in Microsoft Excel™.
Results and Conclusion
It is anticipated this trial will determine whether a single sign for all respiratory pathogens is easier and safer for staff to implement than deciding between the current categories of TBPs. Preliminary findings of the trial will be presented.
Biography
Stacey Shar is an experienced Clinical Nurse specialising in Infection Management, having been in this role for over three years. Currently, she is a Clinical Nurse with the Mater Health South-east Queensland Infection Management Services. Stacey has completed her Graduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control and is actively involved in coordinating workshops, educational programs, and trials related to infection management.