A/Prof. Jessica Schults1,4, Mr Okkar Nay Win2, Dr Sally Havers1,4,5, Mrs Lauren Ward2, Mrs Belinda Henderson3, Mrs Alison Smith4, Mrs Sarah Smith1, Ms Karina Charles1, Mrs Michelle Doidge3, Prof Claire Rickard1,4, Prof Joshua Byrnes2
1The University Of Queensland, Australia, 2Griffith University, Australia, 3Queensland Infection Prevention and Control Unit, Department of Health,, Australia, 4Herston Infectious Diseases Institute, Metro North Health, Australia, 5Infection Prevention and Control Clinical Governance Unit, Darling Downs Health, Australia
Biography:
Jessica is a conjoint Associate Professor with the University of Queensland and Herston Infectious Diseases Institute with Metro North Health. She leads a large program of research in infection control with a passion for our smallest, most vulnerable patients.
Abstract:
Background
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a major source of preventable harm, yet infection risk is often invisible to consumers and poorly understood outside clinical settings. At present it is unclear how consumers perceive HAI risk, trust healthcare institutions, and understand their role in prevention activities. We aimed to identify shared consumer viewpoints regarding HAIs and IPC.
Methods
We undertook a cross-sectional Q-methodology study of Queensland adults (≥18 years). Participants completed an online survey including demographic questions, attitudinal items, and a Q-sort of 44 statements relating to HAI risk, institutional trust, transparency, and prevention responsibility. Q-sort data were analysed using principal component analysis with varimax rotation to identify distinct shared viewpoints.
Results
A total of 405 participants were included. Three distinct viewpoints were identified: (1) heightened anxiety and vigilance (n=148, 37%), characterised by strong concern regarding HAI severity, transparency, and accountability; (2) trusting and reassurance-oriented (n=84, 21%), characterised by confidence in healthcare systems and lower perceived personal risk; and (3) concerned but balanced (n=73, 18%), characterised by concern regarding HAIs alongside trust in clinicians and endorsement of shared prevention responsibility. Across all viewpoints, there was strong consensus that antimicrobial resistance is a major threat, HAIs substantially prolong recovery, and consumers should always be informed when a HAI occurs.
Conclusions
Consumer perspectives on HAIs are heterogeneous and shaped by prior experience, perceived vulnerability, and institutional trust. A one-size-fits-all approach to IPC communication is unlikely to be effective. Tailored, transparent, and consumer-informed IPC strategies are needed to strengthen public trust, improve engagement.