Return to flip book view
MAY 2023
ACIPC President Kristie Popkiss2IPC News | acipc.org.auWelcome to the May issue of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) News. I cannot believe it’s nearly June! This week, my thoughts turned to the call for abstracts for our conference in November. I’m sure it will seem like a blink of any eye before it is upon us. I hope that you are considering submitting an abstract and/or attending the conference in Adelaide. It will be a great time to come together and focus on Driving forward: Embracing fundamentals and charting a path for the future, as our 2023 conference is named.This month saw two of our Board Directors, Kathy Dempsey and Janine Carrucan, submit successful applications for our prestigious ACIPC Fellowship. Peta -Anne Zimmerman achieved this in February and we were lucky enough to be together at a face-to-face board meeting to award all three their certificates in person. Well done Peta-Anne, Kathy and Janine. ACIPC Fellowship is a highly regarded member status awarded to Infection Prevention and Control Professionals in recognition of significant professional achievement. More information can be found here and I encourage you all to be recognised in this way or work towards it with your professional development in Infection Prevention and Control.Our Board of Directors held our most recent board meeting in Hobart to progress our strategic plan. At the face-to-face gathering the Board took the opportunity to reflect on strategic opportunities, our vision for ACIPC, and ways in which we can continue oering high quality, relevant, industry-relevant resources to our members. I’m happy to report that we progressed towards a number of key outcomes which we look forward to sharing with you soon.Please enjoy this edition of IPC News, and if you are not already a member of ACIPC, take a look at our Members Area for some of the benefits of membership.Kristie Popkiss https://www.acipc.org.au/members/
Contents ACIPC President 2ACIPC International Conference 4Research Grants 6Meet the Board 7ACIPC Webinar 8World Hand Hygiene Day 9GOARN Strategic Implementation Workshop 12Seventy-Sixth World Health Assembly 14IPC Tour Webinar 16IPC Tour Australia 17Media Release - National Clinical Evidence Taskforce welcomes the Inquiry recommendations for living guidelines long COVID 18ACIPC IPC Consultant Position 19Recently Credentialled & Re-Credentialled Members 20Infection Control Matters Website 21ACIPC Member Profiles 22 International Nurses Day 2023 23Federal Budget 2023-24 24ACHS Infection Control Clinical Indicator Review 25ACIPC Guidance and Position Statements 25‘Be A Winter Champion’ 26ACIPC 2023/2024 Membership Renewal 28Latest Articles from Infection, Disease & Health 29Call for Papers 30Selected Publications of Interest 31 3May 2023
Abstract Submissions are invited for the following presentation types:• Scientific Presentations: Presentations may be original research, case presentations, divisional projects, or analytical studies.• Case Studies and Quality Improvement Presentations: Structured presentations from Front Line Workers and Carers, Policy Makers, Healthcare Managers, and Consumers.• Lightning Talks: 5-minute presentations designed to give novice presenters and early career researchers the opportunity to develop their presentation skills by delivering an abbreviated oral presentation at the conference. • ePoster Presentations: Electronic posters (ePosters) will be displayed for the duration of the conference on screens in the exhibition hall, the conference app, the website, and the online conference portal.• Industry Presentations: Conference sponsors and exhibitors are invited to submit an abstract for presentation at the Pop-Up Stage during conference breaks. Presentations can be interesting case studies or research initiatives.ACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEOn behalf of the Board of Directors, it gives us great pleasure to invite you to attend the 2023 ACIPC International Conference.ADELAIDE, SA & ONLINE 12-15NOV23EMBRACING FUNDAMENTALS & CHARTING A PATH FOR THE FUTUREACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEBy attending the conference, you will learn from national and international experts, network with likeminded professionals, and meet with Australasia’s largest collection of IPC industry suppliers.The conference is the peak event for infection prevention and control professionals (ICPs) in the region and includes Australasia’s largest trade exhibition dedicated to showcasing IPC industry suppliers.Delegates include nurses, IPC managers, and consultants, aged care workers, scientists, academics, educators, policy-makers, medical practitioners, hospital managers, and those responsible for managing and delivering IPC programs in non-healthcare settings.More information regarding the conference including invited speakers, social events, and engagement initiatives can be found on the conference website - https://acipcconference.com.au/ REGISTRATIONS, ABSTRACTS, & SPONSORSHIP ARE NOW OPEN4IPC News | acipc.org.au
5May 2023Invited SpeakersWe are excited to announce international experts Dr. Buy Lloyd-Krejci and Lilian Chiwera as invited speakers at the 2023 ACIPC International Conference. Dr Lloyd-Krejci is president and founder of IPC Well, an organisation devoted to mitigating infectious diseases and inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in all healthcare settings to reduce adverse events, infections, antibiotic resistance, re-admissions, and loss of life.Lilian Chiwera is an independent Surgical Site Infection (SSI) surveillance & prevention expert with experience setting up and coordinating a very successful SSI surveillance service at Guys & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) (UK) from 2009 – 2022.For more information about these fabulous speakers, please visit the conference website. Call for abstracts deadline has been extended to Friday 16 JuneConference Scholarships – Australia & New ZealandScholarship applications are open to residents of Australia or New Zealand who are financial members of ACIPC and have been a member for at least twelve months. The value of each scholarship comprises one early bird registration to attend to the conference in Adelaide or as a virtual delegate. For more information and to apply visit the ACIPC website.Applications Close 30 August 2023. Call for AbstractsWe invite you to showcase your achievements, innovations, quality assurance, and research activities, by submitting an abstract and presenting at the 2023 ACIPC International Conference.For more information and to submit, visit the conference website.
6IPC News | acipc.org.auRESEARCH GRANTS A key strategic focus of the College is to enable members to identify areas for research that will lead to improved knowledge, evidence-based education and practice, and improved outcomes. In alignment with this strategy, the College provides opportunities for our members to undertake research with the assistance of research grants.Early Career Research GrantThe aim of the Early Career Research Grant is to support Early Career Researchers (ECR) undertake research relevant to infection prevention and control. ECRs are researchers who are within five years of the start of their research careers. Seed GrantThe aim of the Seed Grant is to support members who wish to undertake high quality pilot, exploratory, or small-scale infection prevention and control research. This grant aims to address a gap between early concepts and large-scale funding provided by larger bodies such as the National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Australian Research Council (ARC). The grant is also aimed at providing support to researchers who have not yet had success with specific national category 1 competitive funding NHMRC and ARC grants.Applications for 2023/2024 will close at 9am on Friday 18 August 2023RESEARCH GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!FOR FURTHER INFORMATION INCLUDING THE APPLICATION PROCESS CLICK HERE
7May 2023MEET THE BOARDJanine has been a member of ACIPC since its inception, is credentialled, and has recently been awarded a Fellowship of the College. As Nursing Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Janine leads a team of ICPs to manage the large IPC program for Townsville University Hospital in north Queensland, which also includes 7 rural hospitals and 2 large aged care facilities, 2 correction facilities, and various community health programs. She has a strong interest in patient safety and governance and loves seeing her team develop and grow. Janine thinks her role is the best in the world as she gets to work closely with the clinical teams and influence policy and decision making in her health service.Janine Carrucan Board Director, Member of the Education Committee, Governance and Risk Committee and Credentialling and Professional Standards CommitteeJanine joined the Board primarily to provide a voice for regional, rural, and remote ICPs and to enable more member-focused discussion/decisions at the Board level. Janine believes that by supporting our members with training, resources, and mentoring it will give them the tools they need to implement their programs, no matter how big or how small.
ACIPC WEBINARTopic: Snapshot of viral hepatitis in Australia in 2023 and your role in achieving eliminationDate: 21 June 12pm AESTPresenter: Jacqui RichmondThis presentation will provide a brief overview of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Australia in 2023, including epidemiology, testing, and treatment strategies. The world has set a global goal of viral hepatitis elimination by 2030, but there is a real risk we will not achieve elimination in Australia. We all have a role to play, and this presentation will inspire you to do your bit!Jacqui Richmond has worked in the viral hepatitis sector for 25 years in nursing, education, social and health services research, and policy development roles. Jacqui is a registered nurse and completed a PhD in 2006. She currently works at the Burnet Institute as the Workforce Development and Health Service Delivery Program Manager for the Eliminate Hepatitis C Australia partnership, and at the Barwon Public Health Unit as the Viral Hepatitis Clinical Nurse Consultant. The broad focus of Jacqui’s work is building the capacity of the health workforce to test, treat and manage the healthcare needs of people living with viral hepatitis. Jacqui is also a very proud ACIPC Facilitator for the FIPC course and the Blood Borne Virus testing course.A webinar recording will be available to all ACIPC members, recordings can be found here: https://www.acipc.org.au/members/webinars/ CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR 8IPC News | acipc.org.au
9May 2023GOLD COAST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL LEND A HAND FOR WORLD HAND HYGIENE DAYWorld Hand Hygiene Day was on the 5th of May, and Gold Coast University Hospital’s Infection Control Department took a hands-on approach to raising awareness about the importance of hand hygiene, inviting their colleagues to colour-in a henna hand design or design their own hand using templates.Each year the WHO’s SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign aims to highlight the importance of hand hygiene in health care and of bringing people together in support of hand hygiene globally.
10IPC News | acipc.org.auGold Coast University Hospital’s Infection Control Communications oce Lynley Pilon organised the Handmade for Hand Hygiene event, and was overwhelmed with the response and creativity of the entries.“We received more than 50 brilliant entries from sta and their families,” she said. “All designs were amazing and creative in their own way, some even had messages on them such as - no soap no hope, clean hands are happy hands, health starts on the hands, and love is in the air but so is the flu.” The hands were displayed in the hospital’s main foyer, presenting a colourful display to visitors and highlighting the hospital’s commitment to hand hygiene. “Participating in this competition has encouraged us to think about how important hand hygiene is,” the Infection Control Team said. “As sta and visitors approached the display, it immediately prompted them to perform hand hygiene at the hand hygiene stations provided.” The Infection Control Team chose five winners from the more than 50 entries. The lucky winners each received a coee shop voucher.Great handiwork work Lynley and the team at Gold Coast University Hospital!GOLD COAST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL LEND A HAND FOR WORLD HAND HYGIENE DAY (CONT)Dr Maria Ciubuc-Batcu, MDU JHOTracey Humphreys & Katherine Mitchell, VisitorsLynley Pilon & Sarah Thomas, Infection Control
Tracey Humphreys & Katherine Mitchell, Visitors11May 2023Indu SukumaranMarie Gatefait Lyne AguspinaMichelle Montiel Penny TolandWINNERS
1212IPC News | acipc.org.auGOARN STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION WORKSHOPI was delighted to be supported by the college and excited to be invited to the GOARN (Global Outbreak and Response Network) strategic implementation workshop, and extended steering committee meeting held in Amman, Jordan 8-12th May. GOARN is coordinated by the WHO as the global technical partnership network established in 2000, with a purpose and aim to improve health security by coordinating and making available resources to ensure preparedness for and appropriate response to global public health emergencies.GOARNs areas of work include• Alerts and Risk Assessment – facilitating information exchange and partner coordination, knowledge platform and epidemic intelligence • Capacity building and training – developing capacity for technically and culturally competent responders internationally • Rapid response capacities – coordination, planning, and deployment of rapid response capacity i.e. IPC coordination for outbreak response (Measles, COVID, Marburg, Cholera) • Operational research – integrating research into response
13May 2023The meeting was hosted by EMPHNET (Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network) and the Jordanian government and looked to strengthen the global architecture for health emergency preparedness, response and resilience, and engage with partners internationally. Increasing the profile of Infection Prevention and Control and ensuring that IPC is considered critical to the alert and outbreak response agenda promoting first principles and best practice. The ongoing opportunity for the college to provide GOARN training as part of our conference proceedings will assist in building the capacity of suitably qualified IPC sta to integrate and assist with response to global outbreak and crisis.It was an incredible opportunity to listen and learn from international experts and health leaders, also an opportunity to showcase the college and our value to the broader health response and system. As part of the WPRO (Western Pacific Regional Oce) I spent time with our local partners from our region, listening and learning about what activities they are undertaking, and exploring potential partnership opportunities.I encourage members who are interested in learning more to touch base with either Peta-Anne Zimmerman or myself, and ensure you register for the tier 1.5 training opportunity at the college conference in November.I managed a day trip to Petra and Wadi rum with Howard Njoo (Canada) and Amy Simpson (Fiji) which was incredible. The hosts were delightful and managed to arrange a wonderful social program to ensure partners were able to explore the amazing sites of Jordan including the historic Citadel and the Dead Sea, having a truly unique cultural experience. And yes, the food was fabulous!Belinda Henderson
14IPC News | acipc.org.auFirst global strategy on infection prevention and controlThe World Health Assembly agreed today on the first-ever global strategy on infection prevention and control (IPC), which builds on almost two decades of eorts led by WHO and partners. The strategy provides Member States with strategic directions to substantially reduce the ongoing risk of health care-associated infections (HAIs), including those that exhibit antimicrobial resistance.HAIs are among the most frequent adverse events occurring in the context of health service delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent major disease outbreaks such as Ebola virus disease, the Middle East respiratory syndrome and the Sudan virus disease have clearly exposed the existing gaps in IPC programmes in all countries.The strategy sets a clear vision: by 2030, everyone accessing or providing health care is safe from associated infections. Its three key objectives are: to prevent infection in health care; act to ensure IPC programmes are in place and implemented; and coordinate IPC activities with other areas and sectors.The strategy is focused on any setting where health care is delivered, across the health system; it is based on the principle of clean and safe care as a fundamental component of the right to health, which is equity driven, and which should ensure accountability and sustainability.The global IPC strategy will be complemented by, and used in conjunction with, an associated global action plan and monitoring framework, that will be developed in 2023–2024. RELATED DOCUMENTEB152/9Draft global strategy on infection prevention and control, Executive summary Report by the Director-GeneralRELATED LINKWHO’s work on infection prevention and controlHistoric resolution paves the way for strengthening rehabilitation in health systemsToday the World Health Assembly agreed a landmark resolution on strengthening rehabilitation in health systems. Rehabilitation services play a key role in ensuring the enjoyment of human rights including the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. It also promotes sexual and reproductive health, and recognizes the right to work and the right to education.SEVENTY-SIXTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY – DAILY UPDATE: 27 MAY 2023
15May 2023This landmark resolution aims to address the challenges in rehabilitation such as the need to:• increase awareness of rehabilitation when setting health priorities and research agendas, allocating resources, promoting cooperation and enabling technology transfer;• ensure countries are better equipped to respond to the sudden increase in rehabilitation needs including assistive technology due to health emergencies;• ensure persons in marginalized and vulnerable situations have access to aordable, quality and appropriate rehabilitation services including assistive technology;• avoid high out-of-pocket costs for people to access rehabilitation services and assistive technology that can cause financial hardships; and• address the current insucient level of rehabilitation workforce to serve the needs of the population.The resolution lists a range of actions to be taken by the WHO Secretariat such as: publishing a baseline report by the end of 2026 with information on the capacity of Member States to respond to rehabilitation needs; developing targets and indicators for eective coverage of rehabilitation services by 2030; ensuring appropriate resources are allocated at WHO to support Member States in implementing technical guidance and resources; and supporting Member States to integrate rehabilitation and assistive technology in their emergency preparedness and response plan.The WHO Secretariat will report on progress in the implementation of this resolution to the Health Assembly in 2026, 2028 and 2030.RELATED DOCUMENTEB152/10Strengthening rehabilitation in health systemsRELATED LINKWHO’s work on rehabilitationThe items above were discussed as part of the document A76/7 Rev.1 - Consolidated report by the Director-General. Resolution on strengthening diagnostics capacityOn 26 May Member States endorsed a resolution to strengthen diagnostics capacity in countres and to improve access to diagnostic services.The broad ranging resolution recognizes that diagnostic services are vital for the prevention, surveillance, diagnosis, case management, monitoring and treatment of communicable, noncommunicable, neglected tropical and rare diseases, injuries, and disabilities. Diagnostics allow for the precise identification of diseases, and therefore the timely initiation of the correct treatments for better health outcomes.The resolution considers the full spectrum of “diagnostics”, thus including both “in vitro” laboratory tests e.g. rapid diagnostic tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and “non in vitro” diagnostics e.g. imaging or blood pressure measurement devices. It covers actions for research and development, manufacturing (including local production and technology transfer), regulation, selection and procurement, awareness, advocacy and addressing access barriers in general.The implementation of the resolution will build and expand on previous and current work at three levels of WHO to help countries improve access to diagnostic services. The Secretariat is requested to report on implementation progress in 2025.RELATED DOCUMENTEB152/6Strengthening diagnostics capacity
IPC Tour WebinarACIPC and GAMA Healthcare invite you to the Infection Prevention & Control Tour online.National and international insights include:• New IPC developments• Shifting and new paradigms in IPC• Material compatibility• Expert panel discussionAn opportunity to discuss local challenges is provided while networking with peers.Register now!Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3916817052495/WN_p0_8G9tlTCugMWk4LoPtoA gamahealthcare.com.au | eventsaustralia@gamahealthcare.com | 03 9769 6600GHA230022Online8.30 am – 3 pm (AEST)Monday 12 June 2023Prof. Martin Kiernan Prof. David Weber Belinda Henderson Christine Morrison Ursula Howarth16IPC News | acipc.org.au
IPC Tour AustraliaACIPC and GAMA Healthcare invite you to the Infection Prevention & Control Tour.National and international insights include:• New IPC developments• Shifting and new paradigms in IPC• Material compatibility• Expert panel discussionAn opportunity to discuss local challenges is provided while networking with peers.gamahealthcare.com.au | eventsaustralia@gamahealthcare.com | 03 9769 6600GHA230022Prof. Brett Mitchell Prof. David WeberProf. Martin KiernanKeynote speakers:David Weber is attending Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney only. Brett is attending Sydney and Perth only. Click hereBrisbane: Monday 12 June 2023eventbrite.com.au/e/485971181887Click herePerth: Monday 19 June 2023 eventbrite.com.au/e/486354006927Click hereSydney: Wednesday 14 June 2023eventbrite.com.au/e/485817662707Click hereMelbourne: Friday 16 June 2023eventbrite.com.au/e/486372923507Register now!17May 2023
18IPC News | acipc.org.auMEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAPRIL 27, 2023Naonal Secreteriat info@clinicalevidence.net.au +61 3 9903 1653Naonal Clinical Evidence Taskforce welcomes the Inquiry recommendaons for living guidelines long COVIDThe Naonal Clinical Evidence Taskforce welcomes recommendaons from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Long COVID and Repeat COVID Infecons to “[develop] evidence-based living guidelines for diagnosis and treatment incorporang ered care including referral pathways, co-designed with paents with lived experience”.The Inquiry acknowledged that an emerging signicant evidence-base will not be easily translated into pracce, because “...there is a gap in implementaon of knowledge in Australia, with limited funding available to translate scienc ndings into the coalface…” and “…it is not possible for a clinician to evaluate this quanty of data alone.”Co-Chair of the Naonal Clinical Evidence Taskforce Primary and Chronic Care Panel and General Praconer, Associate Professor Nicole Allard, said: “...as with any chronic disease care, the general praconer has a crical role in assessing and managing long COVID, and liaising with paents and connecng them with relevant services….There is a huge amount of research underway and much of this will be used in the primary care space where most people are likely to present”.The National Clinical Evidence Taskforce currently provides living guidelines for COVID, including long COVID, and is well placed to continue to develop evidence-based living guidelines as recommended by the Inquiry.Co-Chair of the Naonal Clinical Evidence Taskforce Primary and Chronic Care Panel and Gener-al Praconer, Professor Mark Morgan, said:, “the NCET is the only organisaon that has been set up and that is capable of doing this work in Australia …it maintains owcharts and evidence-based recommendaons, with 100 percent consensus of the 35 peak bodies involved in that organisaon, including the RACGP…”.The Naonal Clinical Evidence Taskforce has been developing evidence-based living recommendaons for the care of people with long COVID since December 2020.
MAKE AN IMPACT AS AN ACIPC IPC CONSULTANTThe Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control is seeking an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) consultant to join our team. The position will provide expert IPC guidance in various healthcare settings, including aged care. The role will support our members to develop and implement infection prevention and control programs in a variety of healthcare settings though the provision of general advice and resources.The consultant will provide general advice and support to members through:• Providing general IPC advice and direction in a member forum that will include Aged Care IPC Leads and other IPC professionals.• Developing templates for IPC policies, procedures, and protocols in accordance with industry standards and best practices• Developing general IPC content for publication on the ACIPC website, social media, and in our newsletter, IPC News.• Supporting the Practice Guidance Committee • Supporting education activities for members• Collaborating with healthcare facilities and public health authorities to ensure we provide relevant support and member services• Keeping up-to-date with current research and trends in infection prevention and control practices and sharing this knowledge with members through our communication channels• Supporting professional standards for the College Qualifications & Experience:This position requires a strong commitment to infection prevention and control practices, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing situations and regulations. The qualifications and experience of suitable candidates will vary, and the following is a guide to consider if this is your ideal position.• Healthcare professional registered with Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant healthcare field• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a registered health professional in a healthcare setting • Postgraduate qualification in IPC• A sound understanding of the variety of dierent healthcare settings• ACIPC credentialled infection control professional or willingness to become credentialled within the first six months of engagement. A strong candidate would be eligible for advanced or expert level.• Experience in developing and implementing, policies, procedures and IPC programs• Excellent communication skills to eectively work with healthcare professionals and stakeholders• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to manage multiple tasks and priorities• Sound understanding of Microsoft OceWe are seeking 4-5 days per week on a competitive salary. The role is working from home/remote work and the College can provide flexible working arrangements to attract the ideal candidate.19May 2023 TO APPLY OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE
20IPC News | acipc.org.auPrimary Credentialling:• Matthew Berger• Petronella Bookall Advanced Credentialling:• Sarah Stewart Expert Credentialling:• Jane Barnett Expert Re-credentialling:• Peta-Anne Zimmerman• Wendy Peecock RECENTLY CREDENTIALLED & RE-CREDENTIALLED MEMBERSThe Board of Directors would like to congratulate the following members who have received credentialling this month:For information on how you can become credentialled, visit the ACIPC website: https://www.acipc.org.au/credentialling/ PAID ADVERT
21May 2023INFECTION CONTROL MATTERS WEBSITEThe Infection Control Matters podcast is celebrating 100 episodes with the launch of a website. Visit the website and subscribe now so you don’t miss a podcast. Why a website and why subscribe?• You can search for podcasts by topic e.g. education, contact precautions• Receive an automatic email when a new podcast is released, with a direct link to the podcast to watch on your computer or device• Provide ideas for future podcasts• You can search for podcasts using keywords• 110+ guests that have been part of the podcast so far (thank you)• Listeners from over 130 countries• 100 podcasts on a range of topics and growing• Special edition podcasts from international conferences to hear the latest. More planned for 2023• Podcast is free, not sponsored and no ads
22IPC News | acipc.org.auACIPC MEMBER PROFILES Sarah Thomas is a Clinical Nurse at the Infection Control Dept, Gold Coast Health. She holds a Master’s in Infection Prevention & Control, is a member of the Membership, Communication, and Engagement Committee, and has been a credentialled member of ACIPC since 2016.Can you tell us more about your role and what it entails?I have been working with Gold Coast Health in this current role since 2015. In this Clinical Nurse role, I am responsible for specific portfolios within the infection control programme. I am privileged to work with credentialled ICPs who are leaders in this field and members of ACIPC. We rotate through various portfolios like patient placement, surgical site surveillance, bloodstream infection surveillance, hand hygiene, sta health, and education. Currently I am responsible for bloodstream surveillance and coordinating environmental audits and education sessions. I am also a nurse immuniser, so I participate in the sta immunisation programme. Our team undertakes peer mentoring including working with trainee ICPs and mentoring with senior team members. I regularly attend ACIPC conferences and have been a recipient of conference scholarships so being a member of the committee gives me an opportunity to give back to the college. I was a facilitator for few cohorts of Aged Care students for the foundation course with the college during recent times.What did you do before this role?I started my nursing career in 2002 have done various nursing roles as RN, Clinical Instructor in various public and private settings. I have worked in the infectious diseases ward for many years and then as Infection Control Nurse Specialist in St Vincent s University Hospital, Dublin Ireland. I have completed a Graduate Diploma in Infection Control from Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland.Why is IPC such a passion for you?I love working with people and all elements of the IPC programme are directly or indirectly associated with the health and safety of sta and patients. What keeps me interested is the variety within the job and the application of knowledge of dierent kinds, be it physics behind negative pressure rooms, spatial knowledge in providing advice for new hospital building, or principles of psychology, in getting good outcomes for initiatives like hand hygiene promotion. The pandemic response demonstrated the level of leadership skills and decision making associated with our role, although we engage in critical thinking every day as we go about our work.I believe in the value of reflective practice and mentoring. We have a robust programme in our department which helps us to be more self-aware and progress our growth as ICPs. I am proud to be an ICP and believe I will be able to influence the next generation of clinicians to achieve excellence in IPC.
23May 2023International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Nursing as a profession continues to evolve since Florence Nightingale’s time, however her work was pivotal in demonstrating the significant impact of infections and how they could be prevented. Many infection prevention and control (IPC) principles she championed in the 19th century, such as hand hygiene and good ventilation, remain of central importance in modern day healthcare.International Nurses Day provides an opportunity to reflect on past accomplishments and plan for the challenges in the near and distant future, both within the profession of nursing, and in IPC more broadly. At the tail end of a transformational infectious disease pandemic, it is important that we continue to celebrate nurses and acknowledge their immeasurable contributions to the field of IPC as we look to the future.INTERNATIONAL NURSES’ DAY 2023ACIPC is proud to celebrate the contribution of our more than 6000 members from the nursing profession. These nurses work in a variety of settings and locations to champion the importance of IPC across every level of the healthcare system. They may work in hospitals, primary care, public health, the aged care sector, or in public health, research, and government organisations. These nurses care, educate, advocate, and lead. Our future health and well-being depend on every nurse, not only on the front lines of care but also on the front lines of change.“Our Nurses. Our Future.” CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
24IPC News | acipc.org.auFEDERAL BUDGET 2023-24The Federal Government’s 2023-24 Budget for health, aged care, and disability is welcomed due to its funding of the review and improvements to:• Medicare (including providing incentives for bulk billing to eligible persons);• strengthening the health and aged care workforce;• increasing the role of qualified nurse practitioners;• assisting with the funding of wage rises for the aged care sector and scholarships for the education of the aged care workforce;• improving health systems through the use of technology, including the MyHealth Record, and introducing the MyMedicare system to strengthen the relationship between doctors and their patients and produce better continuity of care. In time, MyMedicare will also be extended to nurse practitioners and other primary care providers. MyMedicare will make it easier for GPs to provide telehealth consultations ($5.9 million); and• preventative measures including dealing with vaping and e-cigarettes. Alison Choy FlanniganPartner, Co-Lead Health & CommunityHall & WilcoxCLICK HERE TO READ MORE
25May 2023ACHS INFECTION CONTROL CLINICAL INDICATOR REVIEWAnn Whitfield and Nicola Isles ACIPC Board Directors will be attending the ACHS Infection control indicators on June 16 with several other national leads and specialists. Ann will be Chairing this review and Nicola along with representing the College will also be representing the Private Hospitals Sector. The review will include, Advice from ACHS clinical advisor, Survey results; Clinical Indicator data long report, and updating the current user manual. If you have any feedback you would like them to take please email oce@acipc.org.au ACIPC GUIDANCE AND POSITION STATEMENTSThe College has developed a range of position statements and guidance documents which can be viewed and downloaded on the website. A new position statement has been issued outlining our recommendations for assistance, therapeutic and companion animals visiting or residing at healthcare facilities. The statement, entitled Animals in Healthcare Facilities, also includes recommendations for pets living at or visiting facilities and any domesticated livestock kept on the grounds of the facility.A new guidelines document pertaining to IPC resources has also been published on the College website.CLICK HERE TO VIEW
The campaign aims to help Australian healthcare facilities prepare for the winter season and minimise the spread of Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs) and runs from April to June 2023. Suzanne Hammouche, CEO of GAMA Healthcare Australia said, “Winter is a challenging season for healthcare facilities, as infectious diseases increase causing a surge in patient admissions and putting a strain on healthcare resources. To help healthcare facilities fight against infections, GAMA Healthcare, a leader in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) solutions have developed the IPC Winter Toolkit with the support of ACIPC.”The IPC Winter Toolkit includes a Winter Infections Booklet, awareness posters, interactive IPC Winter Champion activity, respiratory virus factsheet and the opportunity for healthcare facilities to nominate their sta for the IPC Winter Champion Award. Winter Infections Booklet: Help sta prepare and respond to winter challenges, it includes key winter pathogens of concern (Influenza, RSV, Covid, Adenovirus and Norovirus), measures to prevent and reduce infections and outbreak management guide. Respiratory Virus Factsheet: Dierentiate between common signs & symptoms of COVID-19, Influenza, RSV and Allergies.IPC Awareness Posters: Designed to serve as a visual reminder to sta, patients, and visitors on the benefits of good IPC practices in maintaining a safe environment for all. IPC Winter Champion Award: Recognise IPC excellence by nominating sta to celebrate their IPC achievements. The Award includes social recognition and a certificate to appreciate sta eorts and encourage continued good IPC practices for a safer healthcare environment. Download and share the IPC Winter Toolkit to help make all your healthcare sta Winter Champions and get prepared to fight against infections this winter here.‘BE A WINTER CHAMPION’GAMA Healthcare, supported by the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC), proudly announces the launch of the ‘Be a Winter Champion’ campaign.DOWNLOAD THE IPC WINTER TOOLKIT HERE26IPC News | acipc.org.au
GHA230063Download the resources to help prepare your facility to become winter ready. The winter campaign runs from 10th April - 30th June 2023This includes: Best IPC practice booklet Respiratory symptom factsheet Winter champion engagement posters Staff recognition activityJoin the fight against winter infections with ACIPC and GAMA Healthcare.Download now!Scan the QR Code to download the Winter Champion Campaign resourcesSupported by:
ACIPC 2023/2024 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALACIPC membership is a valuable resource for anyone interested in infection prevention and control. Membership gives you access to the latest IPC news, research, and evidence-based practice, as well as opportunities to share resources and network with your peers. Membership benefits include:• Opportunity to become a Credentialled IPC professional• A subscription to the College’s highly regarded journal, Infection, Disease & Health• Access to the members-only email discussion forum, Infexion Connexion• Discounted rates on educational courses• Discounted registration to the ACIPC Conference in Adelaide• Access to member-only resources and webinars• Voting rights and eligibility to hold oce• Opportunities to connect with your peers within infection prevention and controlThe next twelve months will see the College develop and further invest in supporting our members and IPC more broadly. The College appreciates the ongoing support of our members.Emails will be sent out in June for membership renewal for 2023/2024We look forward to continuing to support our members over the next 12 months. 28IPC News | acipc.org.au
29Latest Articles from Infection, Disease & HealthComparing the use of midline catheters versus peripherally inserted central catheters for patients requiring peripherally compatible therapies: A pilot randomized controlled trial(the compact trial) Nicole Marsh, Emily N Larsen, Catherine O’Brien, Pewter Groom, Tricia M.Kleidon, Evan Alexandrou, Emily Young, Kate McCarthy, Claire M RickardAn evaluation of influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccination coverage in Australian aged care residents, 2018 to 2022 Noleen Bennet, Brett Morris, Michael J. Malloy, Janet Sluggett, Leon J. Worth, NISPAC Advisory GroupMay 2023
30IPC News | acipc.org.auVISIT THE JOURNAL HOMEPAGE www.idhjournal.com.auEditor-in-ChiefProfessor Brett Mitchellbrett.mitchell@avondale.edu.auFollow us on Twitter@IDHJournalInfection, Disease &Health(formerly Healthcare Infection)Ocial journal of the Australian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC)The journal is a global platform for the publication of original knowledge that fundamentally advances the prevention and control of infection in human populations. Priority is given to original infection prevention research relevant to, or conducted in, healthcare settings (including hospitals, community-based healthcare and private healthcare), aged and residential care, education settings, child care, dentistry, correctional services, mental health and indigenous health and industry with implications for healthcare e.g. tattoo parlours. We are also interested in articles on the surveillance and epidemiology, outcomes and risk factors for infections acquired in settings just described, cost-eectiveness of infection prevention strategies and sociological aspects of infection prevention and control. We may consider public health-based research that focuses on infection prevention in human populations, including low and middle income contexts.All submissions must contribute new knowledge or advance debate on a relevant topic. The journal is quarterly and publishes research, reviews, concise communications, case reports, commentary, opinion pieces and other articles concerned with infection and disease aecting the health of an individual, organisation or population. Infection, Disease & Health provides a platform for the publication and dissemination of original knowledge at the nexus of the areas infection, disease and health in a One Health context. One Health recognizes that the health of people is connected to the health of animals and the environment. The audience of the journal includes researchers, clinicians, nurses and midwives, health workers and public policy professionals concerned with infection, disease and health.CALL FOR PAPERSIMPACT FACTOR COMING IN2023!2021 CiteScore3.7Why publish in Infection, Disease & Health? Fast review speed – just 4 weeks from submission to rst decision Global online dissemination to 15 million researchers via ScienceDrect Option to publish your research open access Covered by the Emerging Sources Citation Index, Medline and Scopus Impact Factor coming in 2023!
31Selected Publications of Interest Bennett, N., Morris, B., Malloy, M. J., Lim, L. L., Watson, E., Bull, A., Sluggett, J., Worth, L. J., & Group, N. A. (2023). An evaluation of influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccination coverage in Australian aged care residents, 2018 to 2022. Infect Dis Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idh.2023.03.005 Haanappel, C. P., Oude Munnink, B. B., Sikkema, R. S., Voor In ‘t Holt, A. F., de Jager, H., de Boever, R., Koene, H., Boter, M., Chestakova, I. V., van der Linden, A., Molenkamp, R., Osbak, K. K., Arcilla, M. S., Vos, M. C., Koopmans, M. P. G., & Severin, J. A. (2023). Combining epidemiological data and whole genome sequencing to understand SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in a large tertiary care hospital during the first COVID-19 wave in The Netherlands focusing on healthcare workers. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control, 12(1), 46. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-023-01247-7 Hessels, A. J., Guo, J., Johnson, C. T., & Larson, E. (2023). Impact of patient safety climate on infection prevention practices and healthcare worker and patient outcomes. Am J Infect Control, 51(5), 482-489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2023.01.021 Khawaja, F., Srinivasan, K., Spallone, A., Feldman, A., Cantu, S., Ariza-Heredia, E., Dvordak, T., Alousi, A., Ahmed, S., George, M., Frenzel, E., Bhatti, M., & Chemaly, R. F. (2023). Nosocomial COVID-19 at a comprehensive cancer center during the first year of the pandemic: Lessons learned. Am J Infect Control, 51(5), 506-513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2022.07.019 Lim, K., Lum, E., Nissen, L., Broom, A., & Seale, H. (2023). Consumer perceptions of community pharmacists’ involvement in antimicrobial stewardship: A quantitative study. Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy, 10, 100281. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100281 Vaughan-Malloy, A. M., Chan Yuen, J., & Sandora, T. J. (2023). Using a human factors framework to assess clinician perceptions of and barriers to high reliability in hand hygiene. Am J Infect Control, 51(5), 514-519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2023.01.013 World Health Organization. (2023). Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 27 May 2023: First global strategy on infection prevention and control. https://www.who.int/news/item/27-05-2023-seventy-sixth-world-health-assembly---daily-update--27-may-2023Have you been involved with a recent publication that would be of interest to the wider ACIPC community? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact the oce at oce@acipc.org.auMay 2023
Level 6 152 Macquarie StHobart TAS 7000+61 (3) 6281 9239oce@acipc.org.auwww.acipc.org.auABN 61 154 341 036FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA