Dr Susan Jain1
1Clinical Excellence Commission, St Leonards, Australia, 2University of New South Wales, Kensington campus, Australia
Biography:
Dr Susan Jain is a nationally recognised expert in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) with more than 30 years of clinical experience. As the Principal Clinical Advisor and Research Lead for the IPC/HAI Program at the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) NSW, she provides authoritative, system wide guidance to NSW Health.
Abstract:
Introduction
A consolidated Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice handbook represents a major step toward standardising evidence-based practices, strengthening workforce capability, and improving patient safety across diverse healthcare settings. The Clinical Excellence Commission Infection Prevention and Control Practice Handbook provide a comprehensive, structured resource that integrates governance requirements, risk assessment frameworks, standard and transmission-based precautions, outbreak management, and strategies for managing multidrug resistant organisms.
Aim
To develop a comprehensive, evidence‑based IPC principles and practice, to strengthens organisational governance, and enhances the capability of IPC teams.
Method
The handbook development involved extensive consultation with IPC practitioners across local health districts and specialty networks, ensuring that the content reflects real world challenges and contemporary best practice.
Results
The publication of such a handbook offers several benefits. First, it consolidates fragmented guidelines into a single, accessible reference, reducing variability in practice and supporting consistent application of IPC principles. Second, it enhances the capability of IPC teams by providing clear guidance on risk identification, mitigation strategies, environmental hygiene, personal protective equipment use, and surveillance. Third, it supports organisational governance by outlining roles, responsibilities, and accreditation requirements, enabling health services to align their IPC programs with national and international standards.
Conclusion
The incorporation of this type of consolidated resource can significantly strengthen IPC capacity, particularly in settings where resources, training, and infrastructure vary widely. The handbook’s structured approach to risk assessment, outbreak response, and health worker education can be adapted to local contexts, supporting regional harmonisation of IPC practices. It’s emphasis on standard precautions, environmental cleaning, and management of emerging infectious diseases.