2025 | IPC News | March : simplebooklet.com

Stéphane BouchouchaPresident’s reportStéphane Bouchoucha Welcome to the March 2025 edition of IPC News. IPC NEWS | FEB 252It has been another full month for the ACIPC Board and I am excited about the work being done already this year.This month, the College released a new position statement - Terminology for pathogens that transmit through the air. Inconsistencies in key terms has resulted in confusion of the use and understanding of transmission pathways. Our Position Statement considers the current terminology and provides recommendations for standardised terminology. You can see the Statement on our website here.During 2024 and 2025, following the release of the Strategic and Implementation Plan in 2023, the Board has revised the ACIPC Committee structure. Thank you to all those who attended the update session in March where we were able to outline the changes in the committee structure. In evaluating, deﬁning, and streamlining committee structure, we can ensure committee activities and functions align with ACIPC’s strategic priorities, protecting the long-term sustainability and eectiveness of our College. If you missed the members’ webinar, you can ﬁnd a recording here, along with further details about the new structure.This month, the Board also endorsed the Ethical Infection Prevention and Control (EIPAC) Decision-Making Framework, a resource developed by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada). This framework oers a step-by-step approach to navigating ethical issues and complex decisions that arise in IPC, and includes a range of examples of scenarios where the framework can be applied in practice. You can read about the framework development and download a copy by visiting the APIC website here.Closer to home, concerning ﬁgures from Australia and New Zealand show that rates of hospital-acquired COVID-19 infection remain at alarming levels, and I spoke with Radio New Zealand about this issue. Despite what we’ve learned from COVID-19, we are seeing hospitals scrapping policies countering the spread, such as the requirement to stay home if testing positive. We track and report fatalities from staph aureus bloodstream infections, and we know through wastewater testing when there are COVID peaks and troughs, we urgently need surveillance of COVID in clinical settings. The full article can be accessed here.No doubt you were all as concerned as I was about the terrible impact of Cyclone Alfred on communities in NSW and Queensland recently. Whilst it was fortunate that few fatalities were reported, with the ﬂoodwaters comes increased risk of infectious disease. Meliodosis cases have risen, with Queensland recording 25 fatalities since the beginning of the year. In this edition’s Bug of the Month (p.26), ACIPC IPC Consultant Karen McKenna explains what causes this deadly disease, how it is transmitted, and preventative measured that can be taken. I urge all members, especially those living and working in ﬂoodwater-aected regions, to be aware of the risk and take appropriate precautions, as there is currently no vaccine available to prevent meliodosis infection.On a brighter note, I am looking forward to seeing you at this year’s ACIPC International Conference, being held from 16 – 19 November 2025 in Hobart, Tasmania and online. This year’s theme is ‘Circles of Inﬂuence: Evidence-based Practice and Practice-based Evidence,’ and the Scientiﬁc Conference Organising Committee have an exciting program prepared for you. Registrations will soon be open, so keep an eye on our website and social media pages for more details. Abstract submissions are open and I would strongly encourage you to consider presenting your research, innovative practice and programs at ACIPC2025. There are a range of presentation formats, and we have put together templates and a handy video to help you. Find out more about abstract submission on the ACIPC2025 conference website.Best wishes

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IPC NEWS | MAR 253CONTENTS ACIPC President 2ACIPC International Conference 2025 4Committee Restructure 6Blood Borne Virus Testing Course 8Infection Prevention and Control in Aged Care Settings Course 9Veterinary Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control Course 10Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control International Course 11Credentialling 12Fellowship 12Dr Joan Faoagali Award 13Mentoring Program 2025 14World Hand Hygiene Day 2025 15RFO - Evaluation of Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control (FIPC) course 16RFO - Evaluation of Education and Professional Development Oerings 17Terminology on pathogens that transmit through the air 18Aged Care IPC Webinar 19Hall & Wilcox Aged Care Standards Webinar 21IPC Tour 2025 22ACIPC endorses ethical decision-making framework 23April Lunch & Learn Webinar 24ACSQHC reprocessing gap analysis tool 25Bug of the Month - Burkholderia pseudomallei 26WA SIG meeting 28Paediatric SIG meeting 28 Infection Control Matters Podcast 29Latest Articles from Infection, Disease & Health 30 Selected Publications of Interest 30

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ACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2025CIRCLES OF INFLUENCE: EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AND PRACTICE-BASED EVIDENCE16-19 NOV 2025 | HOTEL GRAND CHANCELLOR, HOBART, TASMANIA & ONLINEIPC NEWS | MAR 254Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the Board of Directors and Scientiﬁc Conference Organising Committee, it gives us great pleasure to invite you to attend the 2025 ACIPC International Conference. Sunday 16 – Wednesday 19 November 2025Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, Tasmania and Online The conference theme is “The Circles of Inﬂuence: Evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence”. By 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. We encourage delegates travelling to Hobart to extend their trip either side of the conference so you can visit the many wonderful sights and attractions the city and Tasmania has to oer. More information regarding the conference including invited speakers, social events, and engagement initiatives will be released via the conference website as planning proceeds. So, save 16 – 19 November in your calendar now and we look forward to seeing you at the conference. Stéphane BouchouchaPresident, Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control Fiona WilsonChair, Scientiﬁc Conference Organising Committee

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IPC NEWS | MAR 255CALL FOR ABSTRACTSWe invite you to present your research, innovative practices and programs, to an engaged audience of Infection Prevention and Control professionals. You can nominate to present your work as an oral presentation, a poster, or a lightning talk.This year, authors will need to nominate on of the following two types of abstract when submitting:• Practice and Policy - abstracts submitted under practice/policy must have a clear problem/issue identiﬁed, what was done to rectify the problem/issue, the results, conclusions, and lessons learnt.• Research - abstracts submitted under research must use the Introduction, Methods, Results and Conclusion format.Presentation formats are: • Oral presentations• Lightning talks• PostersWant to know more about how to submit an extract? We have abstract templates and a handy step-by-step video guide to help you.To view all of the information about abstract submission, visit the conference website hereCONFERENCE SPONSORSPLATINUM SPONSORGOLD SPONSORSILVER SPONSORSBRONZE SPONSORS

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GOVERNANCE STRUCTUREThe Board endorsed the following governance structure:Committee RestructureDuring 2024 and in 2025 the ACIPC Board revised the committee structureThe ACIPC Board released the Strategic and Implementation plan in 2023 at the AGM. Within the endorsed Strategic Plan, ‘Governance’ is a Key Strategic Opportunity:• Ongoing contemporary governance of ACIPC ensures the long-term sustainability and eectiveness of the organisation.• Good governance promotes a healthy organisational culture and gives our members conﬁdence that our organisation is meeting its legal and charitable obligations (Page 6).• The Board oversees the appointment of our technical and working committees to support the College, Members, and IPC Outcomes.The Key Result Area 1 listed is Governance 1.3 REVIEW THE COMMITTEE SYSTEM to ensure the committee structure aligns with the strategic mission and vision of the College.The Board held a facilitated face-to-face Board workshop in November 2024 and the revised structure was ﬁnalised at the Board’s face-to-face meeting in February 2025. Following the Board’s endorsement of the new structure, two committee update sessions were scheduled (Monday 3 and Wednesday 5 March 2025) and a member update session was held on Friday, 7 March 2025. The revised committee structure will commence from 1 April 2025.ACIPC Ltd BoardGovernance: Formed and guided by the constitution and legislation.CommitteeGovernance: Formed by the Board under the constitution to align with strategic aims of the College as determined by the BoardStanding Sub-committees, Panels & Working GroupGovernance: • Formed by the Board under the constitution• TOR determined by the Board Formed for a speciﬁc role or purpose• Report to a committee.Special Sub-committees, Panels & Working GroupGovernance: • Formed by a committee for a speciﬁc role or purpose• Report to a committee• Templated TOR determined by the Board• Purpose and function in TOR determined a committeeBoard CommitteesGovernance & Risk, Nominations Committee, Executive Management CommitteeIPC NEWS | MAR 256

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COMMITTEE STRUCTUREThe Board endorsed the following committee structure:ACIPC Ltd BoardGovernance: Formed and guided by the constitution and legislation.Board CommitteesGovernance & Risk, Nominations Committee, Executive Management CommitteeRepresentation & Advocacy CommitteeKey functions:• IPC in the Paciﬁc• New Zealand• Media Engagement• Partner Engagement• Diversity in IPC• Consumers• GOARNAdvancing IPC Practice & StandardsCommitteeKey functions:• Identify position statements, guidelines and toolkits for development.• Review and updating statements, guidelines and toolkits.• External review requests• Aged Care CoPDeveloping the Profession CommitteeKey functions:• Priorities for education and PD• Review and maintain courses• Webinars and online education• Professional Standards in IPC• Professional recognition across healthcare, research, aged care, and one health settings and across AUS/NZ/Paciﬁc• Credentialling• FellowshipsIPC Research & Science CommitteeKey functions:• ACIPC Grants• Targeted Calls for Research• Research Access Scheme• In-kind Support for Research Proposals• ACIPC Scholarships• Scientiﬁc Conference Program - International Speakers, Abstracts Review Process, Invited Speaker Review• ACIPC International• Conference Planning Committee• IDH RepresentativeMembership Engagement CommitteeKey functions:• ACIP Awards• Mentoring• IPC Days• Supporting IPC Comms• Support members• SIGsREAD MORE ABOUT THE RESTRUCTURE HEREIPC NEWS | MAR 257

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IPC NEWS | MAR 258Blood Borne Virus TESTING COURSEIf you have any questions, please email learning@acipc.org.au or go to our website for more information acipc.org.au The course has been designed for healthcare practitioners involved in undertaking testing in all healthcare settings including midwifery, acute care, community health, women’s health, correctional health, rural and remote health, refugee health, sexual health, and infection prevention and control practitioners.DURING THE COURSE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT: Epidemiology, transmission, management options and prevention of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C Dierent tests available to correctly diagnose, testing intervals post exposure and window periods for testing Post incident pre- and post-test discussion for both the recipient and the source following the incident The personal impact and medical consequences of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C Conducting a risk assessment for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C Strategies and resources for eective health promotion and prevention education Basic counselling skills including listening, questioning, reﬂecting and summarising COST: $350Course updated in response to new guidelines, epidemiology data, and emerging evidence.MOREINFORMATIONBOOK NOW FOR COURSES COMMENCING IN 2025 LIMITED SPACES LEFT

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IPC NEWS | MAR 2599December 2024SHORT COURSE9November 2024WHAT IS THE COURSE FOR?This course is designed to provide sta with the fundamental principles and concepts of infection prevention and control practice as they apply to various Aged Care settings in particular Residential and Community Aged Care settings. This course is for all aged care sta, including (but not limited to) RNs and EN/EENs supporting aged care IPC clinical leads, and facility managers needing up-to-date best-practice IPC knowledge and skills.The modules can be undertaken over a six-to-eight-week period and a certiﬁcate of completion will be issued to students who complete the course. MODULES INCLUDE: Principles of Infection Prevention and Control Management of the environment, resident and sta health Management of invasive devices, hygiene and aseptic techniques Management of outbreaks Organisms of signiﬁcant AMS Governance and leadershipCOST: $500INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN AGED CARE SETTINGSIf you have any questions, please email learning@acipc.org.au or go to our website for more information acipc.org.au MOREINFORMATIONBOOK NOW FOR THE COURSE COMMENCING 2 MAY 2025 LIMITED SPACES LEFT

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IPC NEWS | MAR 251010January 2023COURSE COMMENCING IN 2025We are pleased to announce that in 2025 we will once again be oering – Veterinary Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control (VFIPC).This groundbreaking course is designed for all veterinary sta worldwide and aims to provide students with a broad understanding and introductory skills to enable them to assess, plan, implement and evaluate infection prevention and control activities within their veterinary workplace. With 11 self-paced modules running over approximately six months, VFIPC allows participants to apply knowledge to their own practice, and is a key component to achieving the ACIPC Primary Credential (CICP-P). The program has been designed to accommodate busy work schedules, with a series of self-directed learning units supported by a structured online curriculum. Topics include: • environmental hygiene• outbreak management• employee health• surveillance• epidemiology and microbiologyThis course reﬂects recent evidence, guidelines and standards. Cost • $1520 for ACIPC members• $1820 for non-members If you have any questions, please email learning@acipc.org.au or go to our website for more information acipc.org.au Veterinary Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control BOOK NOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE IN 2025

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Foundations of Infection Prevention and ControlINTERNATIONALCOST: $1300 AUD Includes a free ACIPC Education Membership!AFTER SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING THIS COURSE STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:If you have any questions, please email learning@acipc.org.au or go to our website for more information acipc.org.au Comprehensively understand the role of the infection prevention and control practitioner and apply this learning in their setting; Understand the application of clinical indicators to IPC practice and apply this knowledge through audit and surveillance activities. Develop and design an infection prevention and control program and a site-speciﬁc infection management plan relevant to their setting using a clinical governance framework; Understand the rationale for and apply standard and transmission-based precautions in their setting;11 SELF-PACED MODULES OVER 6 MONTHS, DELIVERED ONLINE, EQUIVALENT TO AQF LEVEL 8REGISTER NOW FOR NEW COURSE MID-2025 Evaluate, review and develop site-speciﬁc tools and strategies to aid compliance with evidence-based infection control practice, policies, and guidelines; Critique and apply site-appropriate strategies to support clinician-driven change in organisational behaviour; Initiate and communicate eectively within the interdisciplinary team in the management of infection prevention and control

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IPC NEWS | MAR 2512IPC NEWS | MAR 2512CredentiallingThe ACIPC Board of Directors would like to congratulate the following members who have received credentialling this month:Advanced credentialling: Mark RigbyAdvanced re-credentialling: Yana Albrey, Kylie RobbExpert credentialling: Ismail Bin Sazali, Ivy GabatanFor information on how you can become credentialled, visit the ACIPC website.FellowshipCongrulions to Ann Whitﬁeld, who has been appointed a Fellow of ACIPC.Fellowship of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control is a prestigious member status awarded to Infection Prevention and Control Professionals (ICPs) in recognition of signiﬁcant professional achievement, Fellowship recognises the experience, contribution and standing of these members to the College and the profession.FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FELLOWSHIPHEREFOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE AWARD, ELIGIBILITY AND HOW TO APPLY, CLICK HEREDr Joan Faoagali AwardInterested in completing the Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control course? You could have your course fee reimbursed.Dr Joan Faoagali made a signiﬁcant contribution to the education of members of the College over many years with her involvement in both State and National Infection Prevention and Control activities. Joan showed great resilience, tremendous vision, and was a true leader inspiring all those whose lives she touched – working towards achieving something greater than themselves. Joan’s passion and inﬂuence was key to the development of the ACIPC Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control Course. Joan, whilst battling her cancer made time to write and develop modules for the initial ACIPC Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control course. Joan was well known in the Australian Infection Prevention and Control community. Joan was particularly interested in the education of clinicians, the prudent use of antibiotics, Infection Prevention and Control and the intelligent use of pathology services. Joan was a passionate teacher and service development advocate in both high-level referral centres in Australia and New Zealand and in developing countries including our Paciﬁc neighbours. After initially qualifying in Microbiology in Dunedin, Joan was Director of Microbiology at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand and then the Royal Brisbane and Princess Alexandra Hospitals in Queensland. She held multiple adjunct academic appointments, including Grith University, University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology. She will be remembered as a warm generous leader and mentor of students and senior colleagues alike. The Dr Joan Faoagali Award recognises the signiﬁcant and valuable contribution Joan made to Infection Prevention and Control Professionals and especially members of ACIPC. The Dr Joan Faoagali Award allows Infection Prevention and Control Professionals to engage in ongoing learning through participation in the ACIPC Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control course. Please include with your application:• A brief statement (no more than 500 words) describing the importance of completing the ACIPC Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control Course• A current brief curriculum vitae highlighting Infection Prevention and Control involvementApplication open on 3 April and close at 9AM AEST Monday 5 May 2025. Please note you need to be a member of ACIPC to apply for this scholarship. IPC NEWS | MAR 2513

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Request for Oer (RFO)Evaluation of Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control (FIPC) courseACIPC is seeking to engage a suitably qualiﬁed organisation to undertake a review of its ﬂagship education course, the Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control (FIPC). The course was designed to provide foundational knowledge in Infection Prevention and Control and outbreak management to healthcare workers in various settings.The College is committed to continuous improvement, compliance with regulatory standards, and alignment of our education oerings with strategic priorities. This evaluation aims to determine if the course is eectively equipping students with the necessary IPC knowledge to implement safe IPC practices in their workplaces. It will also examine course content, delivery and assessments to ensure the needs of external stakeholders are being met and will identify potential areas for improvement.Due Date:Oers will be accepted until 6 p.m. (AEST) on Monday 14 April 2025.For full details about lodging an oer and to view the RFO document, please click the link hereIPC NEWS | MAR 2516

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Request for Oer (RFO)Evaluation of Education and Professional Development OeringsACIPC provides an evidence-based education and professional development programme to advance Infection Prevention and Control practices across Australasia. By collaborating with Infection Prevention and Control experts to develop educational activities, ACIPC ensures that practitioners have access to the most relevant and eective training. This approach not only enhances the skills and knowledge of individual professionals but also contributes to reducing the overall burden of infection in healthcare settings and the broader community. The aim of the request for oer is to undertake a scoping study of the education and training needs of members while evaluating the ACIPC education and professional development programme regarding meeting the needs of stakeholders, and providing value to ACIPC members, with a view to identifying opportunities to strengthen oerings and provide improved value for members. This RFO is important to ensure that ACIPC is providing its members with industry leading and innovative opportunities to develop professionally and keep abreast of changes in Infection Prevention and Control practices thereby contributing to an IPC workforce that is up to date in relation to knowledge and practice.Due Date:Oers will be accepted until 6 p.m. (AEST) on Monday 14 April 2025.For full details about lodging an oer and to view the RFO document,please click the link hereIPC NEWS | MAR 2517

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IPC NEWS | MAR 2518Terminology on pathogens that transmit through the airACIPC has released a new position statement – Terminology for pathogens that transmit through the air. Inconsistencies in key terms has resulted in confusion of the use and understanding of transmission pathways. Standardising terminology as knowledge evolves is important for eective communication across all aspects of health.ACIPC recommends:Terminology for pathogens that transmit through the air is standardised including;• Introduction of the term “infectious respiratory particles” (IRPs) to describe respiratory particles containing pathogens that travel through the air.• Recognition of the spectrum of IRP particle sizes and moving away from using aerosols and droplets to deﬁne IRP size.• The use of “transmission through the air” as the overarching term to describe the movement of IRPs, with subcategories of “airborne/inhalation” and “direct deposition”.• The term “particulate ﬁlter respirators” (PFR) is used to replace P2/N95 respirators to provide consistency. The Position Statement considers current terminology and provides further recommendations for standardising terminology used to describe PPE, and to describe procedures and behaviours that can increase the release of IRPs and form part of the risk assessment for PPE use. Read the full position statement by clicking the link hereTo view all of ACIPC’s Positions Statement, follow the link hereIPC NEWS | MAR 2518

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IPC NEWS | MAR 2519CLICK HERE TO REGISTERTopic: The NARI IDC-IMPROVE project Presenter: Carrie SpinksGuest speaker: Professor Joan Ostaszkiewicz & Elizabeth Watt, National Ageing Research Institute In 2022-2023, 8.4% of people receiving government subsidised residential aged care in Australia required some form of catheter care. Although clinically beneﬁcial for some people, indwelling urinary catheters increase the risk of infection, antimicrobial resistance, catheter blockage, delirium, bacteremia, admission to hospital, longer hospital stays, higher care costs, and mortality. There are inconsistent approaches to catheter care in Australia’s aged care homes, with many employees feeling unprepared and disempowered to provide routine catheter care and to prevent or manage complications. Addressing this problem, nurse researchers from the National Ageing Research Institute designed a Catheter Care Bundle to assist aged care providers and clinical sta implement an eective, data driven quality assurance and performance improvement program about catheter care that improves the care and lives of people with indwelling urinary catheters who use their services. This presentation describes the bundle and the process being undertaken to ensure they are feasible and ﬁt-for-purpose. IPC NEWS | MAR 2519

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ACIPC Aged Care IPC Webinar Series CONTOur guest speakers will be ProfessorJoan Ostaszkiewicz & Elizabeth Watt from the National Ageing Research Institute. Professor Ostaszkiewicz is a Program Manager at the National Ageing Research Institute, an Honorary Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne, Adjunct Professor of Health and Innovation Transformation Centre at Federation University and Visiting Professor at the Geller Institute for Ageing and Memory at the University of West London. As a Registered Nurse and an academic, Joan’s research expertise is the prevention and management of incontinence in frail older people. She leads a program of research on continence care and catheter care in residential aged care homes. Ms Elizabeth Watt is a Senior Research Fellow at the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI). Liz is a Registered Nurse with over 30-years of experience as an academic, teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing courses. She has a special clinical interest in the care of people with bladder and bowel problems. Liz is a Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing, and a member of the Continence Nurses Society Australia and Australian and New Zealand Urological Nurses Society.To register, please click the link hereMissed an Aged Care webinar? You can watch recordings of the entire series here IPC NEWS | MAR 2520

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IPC NEWS | MAR 2521ACIPC Aged Care IPC Webinar Series CONTIPC NEWS | MAR 2521TO FIND OUT MORE AND TO REGISTER CLICK HEREHall & Wilcox Aged Care Standards WebinarJoin Hall & Wilcox and Pride Aged Living for their upcoming webinar, Meeting the New Aged Care Quality and Safety Standards – legal, operational and clinical aspects An expert panel will share practical insights to help you prepare eectively for the upcoming reforms that take eect on 1 July 2025. Join others in the industry and ensure your organisation is equipped to navigate and increasingly complex set of circumstances facing the aged care sector. Date: Thursday 3 AprilTime: 12.30 – 1.30PM AEDTVenue: Online via Zoom This is a valuable opportunity to gain clarity on the new legislation and learn actionable steps to take now for a smooth transition.

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IPC NEWS | FEB 2522An opportunity to discuss local challenges is provided while networking with peers.gamahealthcareau.eventbrite.comGHA250063IPC TourACIPC and GAMA Healthcare invite you to the Infection Prevention & Control Tour.National and international insights include:• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Broader Healthcare Settings• CLEEN Study: Cost-Effectiveness Insights and Clinical Implications• Aged Care Standards: What They Mean for Your Facility• The Hidden Threats of Pathogens and Biofilms: A Call for Enhanced Decontaminationgamahealthcare.com.au | eventsaustralia@gamahealthcare.com | 03 9769 6600AdelaideFriday 16th May 2025 Rydges AdelaidePerthMonday 19th May 2025 Bentley Technology ParkSydneyMonday 12th May 2025 Novotel Sydney Olympic ParkLauncestonWednesday 14th May 2025 The TramshedsBrisbaneWednesday 7th May 2025 Royal Brisbane & Women’s HospitalRegistration:Brett MitchellMartin KiernanKeynote speakers:MelbourneFriday 9th May 2025 Rendezvous Hotel

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An opportunity to discuss local challenges is provided while networking with peers.gamahealthcareau.eventbrite.comGHA250063IPC TourACIPC and GAMA Healthcare invite you to the Infection Prevention & Control Tour.National and international insights include:• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Broader Healthcare Settings• CLEEN Study: Cost-Effectiveness Insights and Clinical Implications• Aged Care Standards: What They Mean for Your Facility• The Hidden Threats of Pathogens and Biofilms: A Call for Enhanced Decontaminationgamahealthcare.com.au | eventsaustralia@gamahealthcare.com | 03 9769 6600AdelaideFriday 16th May 2025 Rydges AdelaidePerthMonday 19th May 2025 Bentley Technology ParkSydneyMonday 12th May 2025 Novotel Sydney Olympic ParkLauncestonWednesday 14th May 2025 The TramshedsBrisbaneWednesday 7th May 2025 Royal Brisbane & Women’s HospitalRegistration:Brett MitchellMartin KiernanKeynote speakers:MelbourneFriday 9th May 2025 Rendezvous HotelIPC NEWS | MAR 2523ACIPC endorses ethical decision-making frameworkVIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE Ethical Infection Prevention and Control (EIPAC) Decision-Making Framework The ACIPC Board has formally endorsed the Ethical Infection Prevention and Control (EIPAC) Decision-Making Framework, a resource released in 2024 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada) to help healthcare professionals with ethical issues and complex decisions that arise in IPC.The new framework oers a step-by-step approach to navigating challenging situations and includes a range of scenarios to demonstrate how the framework can be applied in practice.The EIPAC Decision-Making Framework is designed to support IPC teams in addressing complex issues, particularly when there is uncertainty about the best course of action. It is especially useful in situations involving value conﬂicts, moral tensions, or when available options may carry a risk of harm to patients, residents, visitors, or sta.Developed by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in collaboration with healthcare partners across North Toronto, the EIPAC framework is an adaptation of an ethical model originally created by the Community Ethics Network and later expanded through the work of the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics and Trillium Health Partners.The framework includes a set of hypothetical ethical framework scenarios across a range of settings, and applies a step-by-step process by which the scenario might be worked through. The process takes into account facts, values and principles at stake, options to consider, actions, and process conditions such as publicity, relevance, and revisions and appeals, should new information be identiﬁed.The framework also identiﬁes two key values and four key principles.The two key values are:• TRUST• FAIRNESS (equality and justice)The four key principles are:• Demonstrating respect• Promoting well-being• Minimising harm• Working togetherThe framework also includes a handy decision-making worksheet.

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April Lunch & Learn WebinarTitle: The Trachoma Program in QueenslandPresenter: Wendy MorottiDate: Tuesday 29 April, 12:00PM AESTAbstract:Trachoma is an eye disease caused by particular strains of Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the leading cause of infectious, preventable blindness worldwide and Australia is the only high income country where pockets of disease are at endemic levels. The disease disproportionately aects First Nations communities in rural and remote locations where lack of well maintained health hardware, sustainable water and sanitation services and waste disposal remains a challenge. Repeated infections during childhood can lead to trachomatous conjunctival scarring and, in some individuals lead to trachomatous trichiasis, which if left untreated can lead to irreversible blindness. Australia is a signatory to the WHO global elimination of trachoma strategy, it is based on 4 pillars, surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics for active infection, facial cleanliness and environmental activities.Queensland Health has delivered a dedicated trachoma program with community stakeholders in previously at-risk communities since 2015. Using a combination of extended clinical assessment, performed by an ophthalmologist, and laboratory techniques, swabs to identify C.trachomatis via PCR as well as serosurveys to examine past exposure, Queensland Health has been able to cease active screening in the elimination phase of this program. The program continues to support facial cleanliness and environmental activities as well as provide support to other jurisdictions that are looking to better understand the epidemiology of trachoma in their populations. About the presenter:Wendy is Clinical Nurse Consultant Research – Trachoma Screening Nurse Coordinator at Communicable Disease Branch, Queensland Health. She has a background in public health nursing and public health information services, addiction and mental health services, and has worked for the United Nations World Food Programme as a Public Health Advisor on Avian and Human Inﬂuenza and as Health and Safety Programme Advisor.Wendy holds a Diploma of Applied Science Nursing and a Bachelor of Science degree from Queensland University of Technology, a Master of Science with Distinction in Health Information Science from the University of Warwick, and has post-graduate qualiﬁcations from Grith University and from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium.CLICK HERE TO REGISTERIPC NEWS | MAR 2524

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IPC NEWS | MAR 2526BUG OF THE MONTHBurkholderia pseudomalleiKaren McKennaWhat is it?Melioidosis is a disease of humans and animals that is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, a small gram negative aerobic bacillus1,2. While Burkholderia pseudomallei is found around the world in warm and humid environments, it is most frequently found in Southeast Asia and northern Australia, including the Top End in the Northern Territory, North Queensland, and the Kimberley region of Western Australia3. The bacteria is found in soil and water and cases of Melioidosis can occur during the wet season (October to April) and after heavy rain and ﬂooding4,5. Queensland is currently experiencing an unprecedented melioidosis outbreak, with 125 conﬁrmed cases and 20 deaths reported since the start of the wet season6. Key Burkholderia SpeciesSymptoms of melioidosis include fever, cough, and pneumonia, which is the most common clinical presentation and can range from a mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia2,4. Melioidosis is rare in people who are healthy, and most people exposed to the bacteria do not get sick4. However, if not treated quickly people can develop severe illness including sepsis, non-healing skin ulcers and death4. Symptoms usually start between 1-21 days after infection, and can last for 2 or more months1,4. How is it transmitted?Burkholderia pseudomallei is found in the soil and emerges as a health concern during the wet season when bacteria in muddy waters surfaces following heavy rainfall or ﬂoods4. The bacteria can enter the body through breaks in the skin (cuts, abrasions or open sores), inhalation of contaminated particles, and ingestion of contaminated water4. While both humans and animals can get melioidosis, the bacteria do not spread from people or animals, and in healthcare settings standard precautions is required4. IPC NEWS | MAR 2526

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IPC NEWS | MAR 2527At risk groups?Melioidosis can occur in people of all ages, although cases are most common in adults aged between 40 – 60 years7. At-risk populations include people living with chronic health conditions, including diabetes, cancer, chronic lung or kidney disease, the immunocompromised and people with high alcohol intake1,4,5. PreventionGeneral prevention measures can be taken to prevent melioidosis infection, including; avoiding contact with soil or muddy water after periods of heavy rain, using rubber gloves or waterproof footwear while working or gardening outdoors and covering open wounds to prevent contact with contaminated water or soil4.There is no vaccination available to prevent melioidosis infection.References• 2025, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melioidosis• Victorian Department of Health. Melioidosis. Victorian Department of Health Updated 8 October 2015. Accessed March, 2025. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/melioidosis• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meliodosis and Cases Around the World. U.S. Department of Health and human Services. Accessed March 2025, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/melioidosis/risk-factors/index.html• Queensland Health. Melioidosis. Queensland Government. Updated 10 August 2023. Accessed March, 2025. https://www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/bacterial-infections/melioidosis• Northern Territory Government. Melioidosis. Northern Territory Government. Updated https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/bacterial/melioidosis. Accessed March, 2025. https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/bacterial/melioidosis• Loney G. Doctors on high alert as melioidosis death toll rises to 20 in Queensland. Webpage. ABC news. March, 2025. Updated 18 March 2025. Accessed 20 March, 2025. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-18/queensland-melioidosis-death-toll-reaches-20/105065044• Chakravorty A, Heath CH. Melioidosis: An updated review. Aust J Gen Pract. May 2019;48(5):327-332. doi:10.31128/ajgp-04-18-4558IPC NEWS | MAR 2527

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TO REGISTERCLICK HERETO REGISTERCLICK HEREWA SIG meetingWestern Australian ICPs are warmly invited to attend the WA SIG meeting on Thursday, 3 April from 7:00 – 8:45AM. Location: Grace Vaughn House, Stubbs Terrace, Shenton Parkand online via Zoom.A light breakfast will be served between 07:00 and 07:30. Topic: Inﬂuence and change managementSpeaker: Greg Bayne from TLC Solutions• Understanding dierent inﬂuencing strategies• How to eect change in your area Paediatric SIG meetingJoin us for the April ACIPC Paediatric Special Interest Group meeting!Topic: Paediatric Respiratory InfectionsWe warmly invite you to join us for the second Paediatric SIG meeting of 2025 which will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, April 22nd via Zoom. This meeting will focus on the topic of “Paediatric Respiratory Infections” with the aim to support preparation and response to the 2025 respiratory season.A background to paediatric respiratory infection epidemiology, impact and prevention will be presented, followed by a snapshot of local epidemiology, context and practice from Paediatric SIG representatives from around the country. We will then have an open forum for questions and discussion on the topic and we ask you to consider:• What is your local policy and practice for respiratory Infection Prevention and Control?• What challenges do you face in the context of your setting?• What solutions or opportunities for improvement are there? We also welcome you to raise any other paediatric related issues for discussion.Contact SIG Convenor: Claire Nayda, Clinical Nurse Consultant of Infection Prevention and Control, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney NSW Australia claire.nayda@health.nsw.gov.au IPC NEWS | MAR 2528

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IPC NEWS | MAR 2529Infection Control Matters Podcastnv-HAP surveillance too time-consuming? Semi-automated may be easier than you thinkIn this episode, Phil and Martin talk to Dr Aline Wolfensberger, Senior Attending Physician, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology at University Hospital Zurich and a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care at the Univetsity of Zurich. We discuss a recent paper that has analysed a range of algorithms for detecting non-ventilator associated pneumonia (nvHAP) that have the potential for signiﬁcantly reducing the surveillance burden. This work also demonstrated the value of an annual local hospital-wide point prevalence survey that provides data on which areas to target.Relevant reading:[1] Mueller A, Pﬁster M, Faes Hesse M, Zingg W, Wolfensberger A, Swissnoso G. Development and validation of selection algorithms for a non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia semi-automated surveillance system. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmi.2024.11.032[2] Wolfensberger A, Scherrer AU, Sax H. Automated surveillance of non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (nvHAP): a systematic literature review. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024;13(1):30. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-024-01375-8[3] Wolfensberger A, Jakob W, Faes Hesse M, Kuster SP, Meier AH, Schreiber PW, et al. Development and validation of a semi-automated surveillance system-lowering the fruit for non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (nvHAP) prevention. Clin Microbiol Infect 2019;25(11):1428 e7- e13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmi.2019.03.019TO LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD CLICK HERESurveillance for HCAI - What is important, feasible and useful - and what isn't..In this episode, Brett and Martin chat with Dr. Jessica Schults and Dr. Sally Havers about a recent study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The study used a modiﬁed Delphi process to identify key healthcare infection surveillance priorities in Queensland.Through a two-round methodology, infection prevention experts identiﬁed 13 key infection measures for a standardized minimum dataset. This dataset aims to improve statewide HAI surveillance, enhance data consistency, and support targeted infection prevention eorts. The ﬁndings oer a model that could inform broader national and international surveillance strategies.The in-press paper is currently available hereSchults JA, Havers S, Henderson B, Healy S, Runnegar N, Hurst T, et al. Expert consensus and recommendations for Healthcare-Associated Infection surveillance in Queensland, Australia: A modiﬁed Delphi study. Am J Infect Control 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2025.02.012.

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Latest articles from Infection, Disease & HealthAnalysis of infection prevention and control documentation in residential aged care based on a behaviour speciﬁcation frameworkSanne Peters, Lyn-Li Lim, Jill J. Francis, Noleen Bennett, Deirdre Fetherstonhaugh, Kirsty Buising, Judy McCahon, Caroline Marshall, Justin Presseau, Wen Kwang Lim, Joanne TropeaReligious inﬂuences on infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings: A scoping reviewMatt Mason, Jacinta Wakeﬁeld, Vanessa Sparke, Jocelyne M. Basseal, Peta-Anne ZimmermanStaphylococcus aureus infections in a highly complex clinic in Colombia. A longitudinal retrospective observational studyLuis Fernando Valladales-Restrepo, Juliana Calvo-Salazar, Verónica Muñoz-Gómez, Juan Manuel Garcia-Rios, Brayan Stiven Aristizábal-Carmona, Dora Liliana Salazar-Patiño, Jorge Enrique Machado-AlbaClinical presentation and antibiotic resistance trends of Escherichia coli isolated from clinical samples in South India: A two-year study (2022–2023)Poornima Baskar Vimala, Leela Kakithakara Vajravelu, Jayaprakash Thulukanam, Rahul Harikumar Lathakumari, Vishnu Priya Panneerselvam, Dakshina M. NairIPC NEWS | MAR 2530

2025 | IPC News | March

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