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OCTOBER 2023

2IPC News | acipc.org.auI encourage you to question entrenched traditions and sense-check the value this is adding. Sometimes we cling so tightly to the status quo that we end up self-sabotaging. It’s important to make changes regularly and stay motivated to be who our patient/clients/residents and community need us to be. This can help to reset expectations and consider how we partner in a more eective way.As we head to our annual conference in Adelaide, I am looking forward to networking and hearing the great work of our colleagues and College members along with the inspiration that comes along with that. If you can’t make it in person, please join online. And lastly, if you’re struggling with the day to day and the busy world we live in, remember that the roughest seas make the best sailors. Warm regards,Kristie Popkiss ACIPC President 2IPC News | acipc.org.auKristie PopkissWelcome to the October issue of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) News. It has been an absolute honour to serve you as the ACIPC president for the past nearly two years and as I head into the last month during my term, I would like to encourage you all to reflect on what has served you well this year and what is not serving you so well. From time to time, we get into a comfortable mindset and along with that, the routine of just turning up. The constant challenges we face in infection prevention and control can take eect on us and we may lose opportunities and risk getting left behind. Occasionally we need to consider challenging the status quo. Often, we focus on what is wrong outside of our service and team – who isn’t listening, who isn’t practicing IPC correctly, how we need more sta, and pondering why people don’t just listen and do the right thing. Sometimes though, it’s even necessary to evaluate both ourselves and our team and shine the light back onto us – are we what our organisation needs?

3October 2023Contents ACIPC President 2ACIPC International Conference 4Meet the Board - Philip Russo 16IPC Week 2023 18ECR & SEED Grant Recipients 192023 ACIPC AGM 19Recently Credentialled and Re-Credentialled Members 19Rebound in Antimicrobial use Reported Ahead of Aura 2023 Release 20October Lunch & Learn Webinar 21Inaugural Pacific One Health and Antimicrobial Resistance Symposium 24Infection Control Matters Podcast 26Career Opportunities 27Research Survey 28Healthcare-Associated Infections in Australia 30Latest Articles from Infection, Disease & Health 31 Selected Publications of Interest 313October 2023

4IPC News | acipc.org.auACIPC 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/4IPC News | acipc.org.auCONFERENCE PROGRAMThe preliminary program for the 2023 ACIPC International Conference is now available For on-site attendees, the scientific program will be complemented by a comprehensive social program, commencing Sunday evening with pre-conference drinks hosted by College President Kristie Popkiss.For online attendees, all conference-invited speakers and free paper sessions will be live-streamed, with recorded content available for viewing on demand for 3 months following the conference.CLICK HERE FOR THE PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

5October 20235 Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Workshop: This workshop will look at aged care IPC, 12 months on – a reflection of what has occurred in the year; what has been targeted, provided, and implemented. The workshop will also take a close look at what is happening at ground level. The workshop is targeted at those involved, responsible for, or interested in aged care IPC - IPC Leads, IPC Consultants, clinical governance, risk, and quality managers, educators, researchers, residential and home aged care providers, and quality assessors.Infection Prevention and Control During Construction and Renovation Workshop: The construction and renovation of new and existing buildings occurs across many dierent settings in healthcare. The role of infection control is to minimise/prevent healthcare-acquired infections in patients due to exposure to micro-organisms released into the environment during construction and renovation activities. This workshop provides an informative educational day to enable delegates to directly apply learnings in their workplace and is targeted at anyone considering the construction of a new building or renovation of an existing building/s in any healthcare facility. Orientation to International Outbreak Response with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and World Health Organisation (WHO): This course is targeted to highly experienced Infection, Prevention and Control specialists who are aliated with GOARN Partner Institutions such as the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control with an interest in learning about opportunities and deploying internationally with GOARN and WHO. It is designed for IPC specialists with limited international outbreak response experience. International Invited Speakers• Dr Rajeka Lazarus, Deputy Director, and Vaccine research lead Bristol Clinical Research Facility• Dr Nick Watts, Chief Sustainability Ocer, NHS England• Julie Storr, Director and Co-founder KS Healthcare Consulting• Dr Buy Lloyd-Krejci, Founder IPCWell DrPH, CIC, Best Selling Author, IPC Expert, Advocate• Lilian Chiwera, Independent Surgical Site Infection Surveillance & Prevention Consultant, UKPRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS SUNDAY 12 NOV

6IPC News | acipc.org.auAGED CARE INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL (IPC) WORKSHOP FREE FOR FIPC STUDENTS/GRADUATES ADELAIDE, SA & ONLINE 12-15NOV23EMBRACING FUNDAMENTALS & CHARTING A PATH FOR THE FUTUREACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE6IPC News | acipc.org.auACIPC is pleased to oer current and graduate students of the Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control course a complimentary online registration to attend our Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Workshop. The workshop is being held as part of our annual conference activities. The aim of the Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Workshop is to look at aged care IPC 12 months on – a reflection of what has occurred in the year, what has been targeted, provided and implemented.You will hear from last year’s presenters from various governing and professional bodies as they discuss where we are now – an IPC perspective beyond COVID 19, roll out of Government and College research and resource initiatives.The workshop will also take a close look at what is happening at ground level. We will listen to the realities from newly qualified and experienced IPC Leads, as well as an overarching organisation IPC perspective in developing and sustaining an IPC Program in both residential and home aged care.

7October 20237CLICK HERE TO REGISTERThere is no charge for FIPC graduates and current students to attend the workshop online on Sunday, 12 November 2023 from 9:30am - 5:00pm. You may also choose to attend onsite or attend the full conference. The costs are on the conference website.REGISTER: To register, use the link below, select Online - Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and enter the code: 2023IPCLEADPAID ADVERT

8IPC News | acipc.org.auADELAIDE, SA & ONLINE 12-15NOV23EMBRACING FUNDAMENTALS & CHARTING A PATH FOR THE FUTUREACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEREGISTRATION & SPONSORSHIP NOW OPEN 8IPC News | acipc.org.auCONFERENCE SPEAKER PROFILESWe are very excited to have a fantastic lineup of international and national speakers at this year’s conference. Rajeka LazarusRajeka Lazarus is a consultant in infectious diseases and microbiology and has a long-standing interest in sustainability. Rajeka is the sustainability lead at her local hospital, and is on the sustainability advisory group for the Royal College of Physicians in the UK. She has over a decade of experience in campaigning on sustainability and her research interest is in lowering the carbon footprint of healthcare by preventing infection through vaccination. Margaret LeongMargaret Leong works with the Pacific Community (SPC) as the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Advisor and works with IPC focal points throughout the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTS). She has 30 years of experience working in the public sector both as a nursing clinician and in senior Nursing leadership roles in Fiji including Government Chief Nursing Oce working closely with the Minister and she is the pioneer for IPC and the Fiji Patient Safety program.

9October 20239Joseph E IbrahimJoseph is a medical specialist in aged care with academic appointments at the Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University, and Monash University. Joseph completed the first comprehensive national study of injury-related deaths among nursing home residents in the world. It was considered one of the Top 10 influential research studies in 2017 published in the Medical Journal of Australia. Joseph was recognized by the Sydney Morning Herald Good Weekend’s “People Who Mattered 2019: Health”. Joseph has provided expert testimony to the Commonwealth Senate Inquiry for protecting residents from abuse and poor practices, the House of Representatives Inquiry House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Aairs Inquiry and Report on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (2021) and Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety including their Special Report into COVID-19 (2020) and Final Report (2021).Edward RabyMedical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, South Metropolitan Health Service, WADr Raby is a clinical microbiologist and infectious diseases physician. He is the medical director of infection prevention and control for the South Metropolitan Health Service in WA. His main clinical interest is skin and soft tissue infection in the setting of burns and diabetes-related foot disease.CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST OF SPEAKERS

10IPC News | acipc.org.auADELAIDE, SA & ONLINE 12-15NOV23EMBRACING FUNDAMENTALS & CHARTING A PATH FOR THE FUTUREACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEREGISTRATION & SPONSORSHIP NOW OPEN 10IPC News | acipc.org.auACIPC BOOTHCome and say hello to the ACIPC team at booth 10 and 11!Chat with our team including members of our committees, learn more about our wide range of education options and how they can help you further your IPC career.Go into the draw to win a copy of Healthcare-Associated Infections in Australia: Principles of Infection Prevention and Control signed by editor Professor Ramon Z. Shaban.Click here to find us on the exhibition floor planSOCIAL EVENTSDon’t miss the chance to unwind, network and have fun with industry colleagues. Muse over the day’s conference oerings and learn about each other in a relaxed setting.Be quick, events are filling fast!Pre-conference drinks, hosted by ACIPC President Kristie Popkiss Date: Sunday 12 November Time: 1700 – 1830 Venue: Hall E Foyer, Adelaide Convention Centre Cost: Inclusive for delegatesNetworking breakfast Date: Monday 13 November Time: 0800 – 0900 Venue: Exhibition Area, Hall H, Adelaide Convention Centre Cost: Inclusive for delegatesWelcome reception, sponsored by Haines Medical, Reynard Health Supplies Date: Monday 13 November Time: 1700 – 1900 Venue: Exhibition Area, Hall H, Adelaide Convention Centre Cost: Inclusive for delegatesACIPC Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation Night Date: Tuesday 14 November Time: 1900 – 2359 Venue: Panorama Ballroom, Adelaide Convention Centre Cost: $80 per person

11October 202311TOURSBased just 10 minutes from the CBD, The Hygiene Co. has established its manufacturing operations based on Industry 4.0 principles. To bring manufacturing back to Australia was a significant investment from co-founders Phil Scardigno and Corey White, but with a game-changing product that designs out the plastic problem, theirs is a story not to miss.This tour will take you through their warehousing operations and into the medical-grade production area to see firsthand the process of taking large fabric roles and turning them into wet wipe soft-packs with vast amounts of this process undertaken through robotics and AI. In addition, the NATA-approved laboratory adds an extra insight into how they’ve selected the native and natural scents for their plastic free range.ALL TOURS WILL INCLUDE:• Transport to & from the factory, leaving from the Adelaide Convention Centre• Introduction on plastic-free wipes and going green• Tour of the manufacturing process• Tour of the independent NATA lab• Q&A with some of the team over coee and a light snackThree tours will be run at the following times and will take about 2 hours:• Sunday 12 November 1pm (please note: factory machinery will be non-operational)• Thursday 16 November 9am• Thursday 16 November 11am

12IPC News | acipc.org.auADELAIDE, SA & ONLINE 12-15NOV23EMBRACING FUNDAMENTALS & CHARTING A PATH FOR THE FUTUREACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEREGISTRATION & SPONSORSHIP NOW OPEN CONFERENCE SPONSORS The 2023 ACIPC International Conference is proudly supported by:PLATINUM SPONSORGOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS BREAKFAST HOSTSWELCOME RECEPTION SPONSOR

13October 2023EXHIBITORS

14IPC News | acipc.org.auEXHIBITORS ADELAIDE, SA & ONLINE 12-15NOV23EMBRACING FUNDAMENTALS & CHARTING A PATH FOR THE FUTUREACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEREGISTRATION & SPONSORSHIP NOW OPEN

15October 2023152023 PACIFIC REGION CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERSber of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to Medicine in Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Infection Control.Active in many public health advocacy issues, Peter’s particular interests are antibiotic resistance, infection control, and hospital acquired infections. His research is widely published and referenced in many Australian and international journals. He has been and continues to be an active member of many national and international committees, including those of the Australian Quality and Safety Commission. He has been appointed to many of the expert committees of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the issue of antibiotic resistance and the use of antibiotics in food animals. In October 2017 he was awarded a PhD by thesis, examination, and defense in Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit – VU) on the topic of antibiotic resistance and One Health.Professor Collignon AM, M.B, B.S(Hons), B.Sc.(Med), PhD, FASM, FRACP, FRCPA Infectious Diseases Physician and Clinical Microbiologist at ACT Pathology and Canberra Hospital Professor in the Medical School of the Australian National University Sharmain MageoTalofa my name is Sharmain Mageo. I am a registered nurse of 29 years, with my last nine years working as the only infection preventionist at LBJ Tropical Medical Center (160 bed capacity).I was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand but home has been American Samoa for the last 30 plus years. I am happily married to my husband of 15 years and between us we have a blended family of nine children, 12 grandchildren, three dogs, and a cat. In attending the 2023 ACIPC International Conference I hope to maximize my time in attending educational sessions, and networking with other IP colleagues so that we may share ideas and experiences, which can be shared with my healthcare colleagues upon my return home.Evelini Vatuvei-VatikaniI have been working as a sta nurse diplomat in Vaiola Hospital, Tonga, for seven years now. I recently completed a one-year study program in infection risk management from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Mokoia Campus, Rotorua, New Zealand in June 2023. I resumed duty in the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) unit in July 2023, and I work as an IPC nurse for Tonga.I hope to learn a lot from the ACIPC conference as this will provide an informative education on IPC topics.These include but are not limited to:• Providing an insight into international IPC leadership, governance, structure and strategic direction.• Looking at IPC measures for aged care.• Looking at opportunities and challenges of IPC in the Pacific Region.• Adapting IPC and case management interventions to the context.• Outbreak investigations and response.

Professor Philip Russo has worked in infection prevention and control for over 25 years in a number of dierent positions at a health service, state and national level. He is currently Director of Research at Monash University Nursing and Midwifery and Cabrini Health. He is also a member of the HAI Advisory Committee for the Australian Safety and Quality in Health Care Commission.Phil will be retiring from the ACIPC Board after November’s conference, and he kindly took some time out to tell us about his career, his interests, and his time as an ACIPC President and Board Director.Did you always want to work in IPC and how did your career unfold?One of the first wards I worked on was the infectious diseases ward at Alfred Hospital. This was at the time when HIV/AIDS didn’t have a name and we were seeing all these terribly sick young men present with horrible opportunistic infections. This sparked my interest in infectious diseases and infection control. Following that I worked in infection prevention and undertook a Masters in Clinical Epidemiology, equipped me with a whole new set of skills I was able to immediately apply to my work. From there I was able to move into other roles, starting up the VICNISS Coordinating Centre (for healthcare associated infection surveillance) and the National Hand Hygiene Initiative. In these roles I was privileged to work with many dierent colleagues across disciplines in various environments across Australia. With this came the realisation that there was so much variation in how we practice infection prevention, which is symptomatic of a largely evidence-free landscape. This led to my move into research, which was inspired by wanting to provide evidence and standardisation behind IPC practice.What do you love about working in IPC?Every day is dierent and it is never boring. Also, I’ve always been lucky to work with great people. I’ve had many mentors and role models over the journey, for some reason people in IPC and Infectious Diseases just seem to be decent friendly folk! Like many of us, I’ve had close family seriously aected by healthcare associated infections. It might sound a bit obvious, but you seek healthcare for an improved outcome, not to get an infection. The preventability of Healthcare-acquired Infections (HAIs) still drives me, and now of course there’s so much research to be done to tackle the infections we know, and also those ones we don’t know about yet.MEET THE BOARDPhilip Russo ACIPC Past-President16IPC News | acipc.org.au

You were ACIPC’s President during COVID-19, which must have been challenging. What was it like being suddenly thrust into the spotlight?It’s an absolute privilege to be President of the College at any time, and certainly COVID turned all our plans upside down. It was an honour to represent the College on many national and international platforms and I was in awe of the great people I had the opportunity to work with. Everybody has their own COVID story. We were all aected, and to be honest I’m still processing that period. You’ve been on the board for 11 years, what have been the highlights for you?So many people have worked hard to get the College to where it is now. It’s been great to see the College membership numbers and diversity grow. The engagement of administrative and professional sta has meant the College can provide members so much more. The Foundations of IPC course has introduced so many to the world of IPC and our annual conferences just keep getting better. Our journal, Infection, Disease and Health has gone from strength to strength and now ranks up there with the best international IPC journals. The College has a seat at many national and international forums, and the universal importance of IPC certainly gets greater attention now than it ever has. What future trends excite you in your field?Personally, I’m looking forward to the day when an AI platform can identify which patients are going to get a HAI and what type, and then design an evidence-based, tailormade intervention that we can implement. I am also excited about the establishment of the Australian Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention, and of course that momentous day when the new national Australian HAI surveillance program is launched!How do you unwind? Any hobbies or interests you could share with us?Plenty! I love running, not as fast as I used to, but I still run a few times a week and zone out, and on a nice summer day I’ll go windsurfing. We have three chooks and two dogs so they take a bit of looking after, and I also like to cook so long as its accompanied by a glass of wine! I admit to being a bit of a test cricket tragic, so if there is a test match on, I don’t get much else done!The preventability of Healthcare-acquired Infections (HAIs) still drives me, and now of course there’s so much research to be done to tackle the infections we know, and also those ones we don’t know about yet.”17October 2023

IPC News | acipc.org.au18The theme for IPC Week this year was Celebrating the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention, emphasising the importance of getting back to basics for everybody working in IPC. The Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) sees Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) professionals as a basic and fundamental part of the success of IPC implementation and keeping the public safe and healthy.With this year’s Infection Prevention and Control Week on 12-15 October ACIPC called for greater recognition of the many professional roles in infection prevention and control, across all settings. The past few years have presented infectious threats from many angles, while antimicrobial resistance continues to be a global concern. IPC professionals have worked tirelessly to guide and provide best-practice care.“Our members include clinicians, vets, paramedics, pharmacists, dentists, community, residential and academic professionals, as an example” said ACIPC President Kristie Popkiss. “IPC is not something that only happens in hospitals, it is happening in a variety of dierent healthcare and health related settings, under the ‘One Health’ strategy every day.”ACIPC is dedicated to expanding the number of IPC professionals and increasing knowledge across multiple settings. Over the past three years the College has provided courses in IPC Foundations, IPC Aged Care, IPC Veterinary, Blood Borne Viruses and recently began providing an International IPC course.Since 2021 as a regulatory function, every aged care facility across Australia required a trained Infection Prevention and Control Lead onsite. ACIPC embraced the challenge to educate the numerous new IPC leads, adding additional information to the IPC Foundation course to meet the needs of the aged care setting. In the past 12 months the College has successfully seen 621 people complete the course, enhancing IPC knowledge and capability across the industry.ACIPC is proud to recognise all IPC professionals’ eorts and fundamental position in preventing and reducing infection and disease. IPC Week was a great opportunity for us to celebrate them, promote their vital role and share our gratitude.15 – 21 OCTOBERCELEBRATING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF INFECTION PREVENTIONInfection Prevention and Control (IPC) Week aims to promote better IPC practices and to recognise the eorts of all IPC professionals to reduce the risk of infection.

19October 2023PAID ADVERT2023/2024 ECR & SEED GRANT RECIPIENTSA 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.We are excited to announce the recipients of the grants for 2023/2024:Early Career Research GrantDr Sally Havers – Herston Infectious Diseases Institute, QLD Health“Investigating hospital acquired infection surveillance activities-perspectives of infection control practitioners in Queensland public hospitals”Dr Matt Mason – University of the Sunshine Coast“An Investigation of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Professionals’ experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Perspective”Seed Research GrantDr Nahid Choudhury – Swinburne University of Technology“Improving Decontamination Practices for needleless connectors: A Bench to Bedside Approach to enhance patient safety”2023 ACIPC AGMThe 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control Ltd will be held on Tuesday 14 November 2023 commencing at 5.15 pm (ACDT) at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The meeting will be streamed on Zoom and members will be sent registration details prior to the meeting. Members will receive an agenda and participation details by email before the AGM. RECENTLY CREDENTIALLED & RE-CREDENTIALLED MEMBERSThe board of directors would like to congratulate the following members who have received credentialling or re-credentialling this month:Expert credentialling: Sally HealyFor information on how you can become credentialled, visit the ACIPC website: https://www.acipc.org.au/credentialling/

20IPC News | acipc.org.auREBOUND IN ANTIMICROBIAL USE REPORTED AHEAD OF AURA 2023 RELEASEThe Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released new technical report ahead of the AURA 2023 release on 16 November.The report, Analysis of 2015-2022 PBS and RPBS antimicrobial dispensing data, reveals an increase in antimicrobials supplied under the PBS and RPBS last year. Antimicrobial use increased by nearly 10% from 2021 to 2022 following the dramatic decline of over 25% in the two years prior (2019-2021).Despite the increase, antimicrobial use remains well below pre-pandemic levels and the Commission sees this as providing an opportunity to sustain improvements in appropriate antimicrobial prescribing.READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

October 202321Dr Peta-Anne Zimmerman is an internationally respected clinician, educator, and researcher in infection prevention and control (IPC). She is the program adviser for the Graduate Infection Prevention and Control Programs at Grith University and is the Visiting Research Fellow with the Infection Control Department of Gold Coast Hospital Health. Peta-Anne holds the award of Credentialled Infection Control Professional – Expert and is a Fellow of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC). Peta-Anne is ACIPC representative and senior teaching faculty for the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), an ACIPC Board Director, Chair of the Research, Grants, and Scholarships Committee, and a member of the ACIPC Professional and Credentialling Standards (PACS) Committee. Belinda Henderson has over 23 years’ experience as an infection control practitioner and is a Past President of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC). She has recently been appointed Chief Nurse for infection prevention and control for the Queensland Department of Health and will lead the newly funded Queensland IPC program. Belinda provides clinical expertise on many national and international groups including AHPPCs National Infection Control Expert group (ICEG), ACHQS HAI program, ACIPC education and credentialling and professional standards, Queensland’s Statewide Infection clinical network, and the WHO’s GOARN program. She holds a Masters of Advanced Health Practice in Infection Control, Expert level credentialling and is a Fellow of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control. OCTOBER LUNCH & LEARN WEBINAR Partnering with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN)What is GOARN?Established in 2000, GOARN is a global technical partnership coordinated by WHO. It consists of over 300 technical institutions and networks providing technical support for alert and outbreak response. GOARN provides coordination and rapid multidisciplinary technical support for outbreak response.GOARN areas of work • Alerts and risk assessment • Capacity building and training• Rapid response capacities • Operational researchDay to day operations of GOARN are managed by the Operational Support Team (OCT), based in the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. There are about 250 partner institutions worldwide, including ACIPC. Each institution has a focal point who liaises with GOARN to advocate with GOARN, engage members, and provide opportunities for capacity, training and deployment.

GOARN partners by WHO regions:Between 2000-2023 GOARN have had 3500 deployments, with 193 IPC deployments. Epidemiologists are most deployed although a range of professionals are sought, including IPC, laboratory and IT professionals, veterinarians, and public health experts.Deployments by disease: The most common has been Ebola, followed by COVID-19, and pandemic influenza. Cholera and Marburg continue to be a problem, and vaccine deployment is common, especially in areas such as Africa and areas where infectious diseases are heavily influenced by disasters, and lower socio-economic situations.GOARN process1. Event – identification of an event (outbreak) that may threaten international health2. Alert raised based on the outbreak of the event risk assessment3. Request for assistance – national health authorities request assistance from WHO and GOARN4. GOARN shares the request for assistance to partner organisations5. After screening of applicants GOARN partner focal points upload expert profiles to assist response6. Deployment – selected experts are contracted by WHO to deploy with GOARN for the missionGOARN provides trainingTier 1: Online learning consisting of basic information to be deployed.Tier 1.5: Face-to-face or virtual training for areas of specialty such as clinical management and IPC deployment training.Level 2: One-week immersive simulation-based training, working with a team of dierent professionals under field conditions.Tier 3: Leadership training.CONTINUED - OCTOBER LUNCH & LEARN WEBINAR22IPC News | acipc.org.au

GOARN in our regionIn the Asia Pacific region, outbreaks are often linked to natural disaster such as cyclones, earthquakes, and tsunamis.Since January 2020 GOARN has had 84 deployments for COVID-19 in the region (mostly to Papua New Guinea and China), and has deployed epidemiologists as well as laboratory, IT and IPC professionals among others. GOARN often deploys veterinarians, especially due to the number of zoonotic diseases active in these communities.ACIPC partnership involvement 2019 -2023GOARN’s partnership with ACIPC in the last four years has involved:• Requests for assistance/deployments• WHO Western Pacific Region Partners Forums• GOARN Global Partners Forum• GOARN Strategy Implementation Workshop• Tier 1.5 Training of Trainers Workshop• GOARN Research Technical Working Group ACIPC members as part of their membership receive email requests for assistance. In 2023 so far there have been requests from the following countries/outbreaks:• Diphtheria - Guinea• Marburg virus – Equatorial Guinea• Cholera – Mozambique x2• Earthquake response – Turker• Cholera – Haiti x2• Cholera – Kenya x2• Monkeypox – Sudan • Sudan Virus Disease – Uganda• Cholera – Malawi x2Out of the 2019 – 23 requests for assistance there have been 38 oers across IPC, epidemiology, immunisation specialists, microbiology, laboratory, public health, and social mobilisation.Each request for assistance will have criteria you need to meet in education, experience, and skills. You will also be asked about your availability, duration, and periods of availability. The decision about who is deployed is made by the GOARN OST and the requesting country.If you are selected, there is online training you need to do before deployment, and there is also post-deployment briefing and reporting to do.ACIPC is oering Tier 1.5 training at the November Conference in Adelaide. You will hear interactive stories from the field, dierent deployments, adapting IPC and case management to the field and context. To find out more or to register scan the QR code:23October 2023

IPC News | acipc.org.au24Inaugural Pacific One Health and Antimicrobial Resistance Symposium, September 13, FijiLate in August, I was fortunate enough to attend the inaugural Pacific One Health and AMR Symposium in Fiji. The symposium was an opportunity to hear from a variety of researchers and clinicians in the pacific region. The focus of the symposium was very topical for 2023, with research presented looking at the interactions between the environment, humans and animals, aiming to decrease the incidence of antimicrobial resistance and really mitigate our impact on the environment that can cause AMR. Attending this symposium was also an opportunity to catch up with fellow ACIPC members such as Margaret Leong, a long-time member and supporter of the College, and discuss opportunities for the College in the Pacific region. You may know that the College launched an international version of our Foundations of IPC course and we have 31 students enrolled from the Pacific region and hoping to be able to support the IPC community in the Pacific region further.ACIPC is also stepping up the eort to combat AMR and be involved in the One Health approach by developing a course targeted at veterinary practices, veterinarians, and veterinary nurses. I was able to present on the course development and there was a lot of interest for such a course.It was also fantastic to hear what research is happening in IPC/One Health and Animal Health in the region, with Fellow ACIPC Board Member Dr Peta-Anne Zimmerman presenting her work on a framework to assist IPC programmes in low and middle income countries. Some examples of very relevant presentations were: Associate Professor Tambri Housen presented her work on One Health and field epidemiology training in Papua New Guinea, and Associate Professor Diarra highlighted alternatives to antibiotics use in livestock production.This was a great opportunity to share research, hear about exciting new research and ideas happening in the Pacific, and discuss the role of ACIPC for the Pacific community.Associate Professor Stéphane Bouchoucha

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26IPC News | acipc.org.auINFECTION CONTROL MATTERS PODCASTDetection of pathogens in the neonatal ICU environment with Dr Ginny MooreIn this episode, Martin talks to Dr Jinny Moore from the National Health Security Agency in England about detecting pathogens in the ICU environment. They discuss a recent paper where whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on presumptive S. capitis NRCS-A isolates was collected from infants admitted to nationwide NICU and from environmental sampling in two distinct NICUs. The discussion includes details on the approach to sampling (neonates and environment).Preventing device-associated infections during a COVID-19 pandemicThis week, Martin talks to Dr Jennifer Meddings, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan Health and Internist at Ann Arbor about a recently published survey looking at what interventions are commonly used to prevent device-associated infections. We discuss the findings and focus in on the prevention of urinary catheter-associated infections and new devices that may have an impact.TO LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD CLICK HEREIdentifying healthcare cleaning research priorities in resource-limited settingsIn this episode, Martin Kiernan talks to Dr Giorgia Gon, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine about a briefing paper that identifies research priorities for healthcare cleaning in resource-limited settings. We discuss the process of determining the priorities, the groups involved, and the final areas that should be targeted with research funding, including cost-eectiveness, the use of biocides or detergents, and minimum requirements.

CLINICAL NURSE CONSULTANT – INFECTION MANAGEMENT SERVICEAn exciting opportunity exists for the Clinical Nurse Consultant to lead and deliver expert clinical leadership in the provision and coordination of contemporary, person-centred care.Position status Fixed Term TemporaryPosition type Full-timeOccupational group Health – NursingClassification Nurse Grade 7Workplace Location Sunshine CoastJob ad reference QLD/SC520202Closing date 02-Nov-2023Yearly salary $128701 – $139732Job duration Fixed Term Temporary Full time for up to 12 MonthsContact person Natasha HempenstallContact details (07) 5202 0088 To find out more or to apply, click on the link below:Job search | Employment and jobs | Queensland Government (smartjobs.qld.gov.au)CAREER OPPORTUNITIES27October 2023

28IPC News | acipc.org.au28IPC News | acipc.org.auInfection prevention and control leads in Australian aged care facilities during COVID-19: Experiences and perceptions of their role. Dear ACIPC members who are or were IPC leads in Australian aged care facilities between December 2020 and December 2022, You are invited to take part in a research project aimed at investigating the experiences of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) leads in residential aged care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, between December 2020 and December 2022. Our goal is to understand the factors that influenced IPC leads’ ability to carry out their role eectively, which may lead to a better understanding of how to support IPC leads in their role. Why have I been asked? You have been invited because your experience of working as an IPC lead in residential aged care during COVID-19 and your personal thoughts and opinions about the role are important. What is this project? To assist current and future IPC leads in residential aged care, we aim to explore their experience of the role during the pandemic and examine their views of the factors that influenced eective performance of their role. The study involves conducting interviews with IPC leads and analysing their responses to gain valuable insights into their experiences. These perspectives are expected to inform future practice. What would I be asked to do? How much time would it take? You will be invited to attend an interview to share your experience of working as an IPC lead at your facility during COVID-19. The interview questions will involve topics such as the designated roles, associated expectations, and available support, and barriers to, and enablers of, eective practice. The interview may be conducted either in-person or online, scheduled at a time and place most convenient for you. The interview will last no longer than 60 minutes, and it will be audio recorded and transcribed with your permission. You will also be asked to take part in a short follow-up discussion if necessary to check that we have interpreted your responses correctly. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw from the study at any point, for any reason. If you intend to participate in the study, you will be asked to fill out the attached consent form. Upon completion of the interview, participants will have the chance to enter a draw for one of three $50 gift cards. Detailed information regarding the prize draw can be found in the accompanying information sheet. RESEARCH SURVEY

How can I volunteer or find out more? Attached is an information sheet as well as a consent form for the interview. Completed consent forms can be sent to the student investigator at hyunji.lee@grithuni.edu.au For further information, you may contact Dr. Peta-Anne Zimmerman via email or phone at p.zimmerman@grith.edu.au or (07) 5552 8780. Grith University takes very seriously our responsibilities to those who participate in our research. It conducts research in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). The research ethics and integrity service is managed by the Oce for Research in conjunction with the Human Research Ethics Committee. If you have any questions or concerns about the ethical issues about the project, contact the Grith University Research Ethics & Integrity team on (07) 3735 4375 or researchethics@grith.edu.au GU Ethics Reference Number: GU Ref No: 2022/520 Kind regards, Research TeamRESEARCH SURVEY29October 2023LEADS IN AGED CARE INFORMATION SHEETCLICK HERELEADS IN AGED CARE CONSENT FORMCLICK HERE

30IPC News | acipc.org.auHEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS IN AUSTRALIAEditor in Chief: Ramon Z. ShabanEditors: Brett G. Mitchell, Deborough Macbeth, Philip RussoACIPC congratulates Past-President Ramon Z. Shaban, and co-editors Brett Mitchell, Deborough Macbeth and Philip Russo on the publication of Healthcare-associated Infections in Australia.Published by Elsevier Publishing, the book addresses the challenges posed by infectious diseases and healthcareassociated infections (HAIs) for all members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Drawing on the expertise of a wide author team, and based on current research, this important and comprehensive text provides a clear pathway for the reader to increase their knowledge and understanding of IPC. With IPC principles and guidelines now embedded into all health-related curricula, and mandated by standards and guidelines across all areas of healthcare, this is a book no health professional should miss.For more information and to order, click here: Healthcare-Associated Infections in Australia - 1st Edition (elsevier.com)NEW RELEASE

31October 2023Latest Articles from Infection, Disease & HealthDesigned for a pandemic: Mitigating the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through hospital design and infrastructure Brendan Kennedy, Anushia Ashokan, Chuan Kok Lim, Diana Lagana, Marija Juraja, David Shaw https://idhjournal.com/article/S2468-0451(23)00061-5/fulltext Infection prevention and control in computed tomography: creating a national survey Suzanne Hill, Yobelli A. Jimenez, Dania Abu Awwad, Sarah J. Lewis https://www.idhjournal.com.au/article/S2468-0451(23)00060-3/fulltext Selected Publications of Interest Immunogenicity, safety, usability and acceptability of microarray patches for vaccination: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Berger MN, Mowbray ES, Farag MWA, et al. BMJ Global Health 2023;8:e012247. http://dx.doorg/10.1136bmjgh-2023-012247 Eectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination against COVID-19 specific and all-cause mortality in older Australians: a population based study. Bette Liu, Sandrine Stepien, Timothy Dobbins, Heather Gidding, David Henry, Rosemary Korda, Lucas Mills, Sallie-Anne Pearson, Nicole Pratt, Claire M. Vajdic, Jennifer Welsh, Kristine Macartney https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(23)00246-8/fulltext Have 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 oce at oce@acipc.org.au

Level 6 152 Macquarie StHobart TAS 7000+61 (3) 6281 9239oce@acipc.org.auwww.acipc.org.auABN 61 154 341 036FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA