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JANUARY 25 Message
CONTENTS Mentoring Program Report 2024 3ACIPC Mentoring Program 2025 3Blood Borne Virus Testing Course 4Veterinary Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control Course 5Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control International Course 6February Lunch & Learn Webinar 7ACIPC represents at GOARN meeting in Tokyo 8Environment Matters: What it’s like to be a patient in the healthcare system 102025 Aged Care Community of Practice (CoP) Webinar series 13Introducing the ACIPC Paediatric Special Interest Group 15February SA SIG Meeting 16Aged Care Community of Practice Webinar 17Member Profile: Josh Philp 18Aged Care Connexion Forum 20Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID 2025) 21ACHS user manual updates 22WHO EPI-WIN webinars 2025 23Bug of the Month - Measles 24Request For Oer: Evaluation of ACIPC'S credentialling program 26Infection Control Matters Podcast 27Latest Articles from Infection, Disease & Health 29Selected Publications of Interest 29IPC NEWS | JAN 242
IPC NEWS | JAN 243Mentoring Program Report 2024 Mentoring Program 2025The inaugural ACIPC Mentoring Program for 2024 concluded in November and the program report from The Art of Mentoring, who conducted the program, demonstrates what a successful initiative it was. The closing survey was completed by 68% of the mentees and 56% of mentors.Here are some highlights from the report:• 74 mentees and 58 mentors participated in the program• 84% of mentees and 82% of mentors reported feeling highly satisfied or satisfied with the mentoring relationship• 93% of mentees and 80% of mentors reported their satisfaction with the program as ‘One of the best things I’ve done’ or ‘Good';• When asked to score the progression of mentee goals, 79% of mentees reported some or all goals had been progressed, while mentors scored 77%• Net promoter (would recommend to others) scores were 98% for mentees and 91% for mentorsFollowing the success of the 2024 ACIPC Mentoring Program, we are excited to announce that, in conjunction with Art of Mentoring, we will be oering the program again in 2025.The program aims to contribute to the future of the IPC profession by pairing mentees with suitable mentors across all fields in a professional relationship of growth and development.The benefits of mentoring:• Take your personal and professional development to new levels• Reflect on personal challenges and achievements• Help others and contribute to the future of the industry/profession• Develop your mentoring and leadership skillsApplications open on 4 March 2025 and close on 31 March 2025.There is no fee to participate as a member of ACIPC. Members will receive details on how to apply via email in early 2025, so make sure your details are up to date by contacting oce@acipc.org.au
IPC NEWS | JAN 244IPC News | acipc.org.auBlood 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 Dierent 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 eective 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
IPC NEWS | JAN 2455January 2023COURSE COMMENCING IN 2025We are pleased to announce that in 2025 we will once again be oering – 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 ControlBOOK NOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE IN 2025
IPC NEWS | JAN 246Foundations 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 APRIL 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 eectively within the interdisciplinary team in the management of infection prevention and control
COST: $1300 AUD Includes a free ACIPC Education Membership!If you have any questions, please email learning@acipc.org.au or go to our website for more information acipc.org.au 11 SELF-PACED MODULES OVER 6 MONTHS, DELIVERED ONLINE, EQUIVALENT TO AQF LEVEL 8February Lunch & Learn webinarTitle: Indoor Air Quality: Your questions answeredPresenter: Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska, PhDDate: Monday 24 February at 12.00 pm AEDTAbstract: Our September 2024 webinar 'Indoor Air Quality: Science, Practice, Legislation' was a big success. Thank you to all those who attended, and as there were so many great questions and not enough time to answer them all, we are delighted to announce that Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska will present this follow-up webinar.She'll be answering those questions; if time permits, you'll have the chance to pose new ones to her.Join us for an even deeper dive into this fascinating and important topic!About the presenter:Lidia is a Distinguished Professor and Australian Laureate Fellow in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia. She is the Director of the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH) at QUT, a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre on Air Quality and Health; the Centre Director for the ARC Training Centre for Advanced Building Systems Against Airborne Infection Transmission (THRIVE) hosted at QUT; a Vice-Chancellor Fellow, Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), University of Surrey, United Kingdom; an Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Environmental and Climate Research (ECI), at the Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; and a Co-Director in Australia for the Australia – China Centre for Air Quality Science and Management (ACC-AQSM).CLICK HERE TO REGISTERIPC NEWS | JAN 247
IPC NEWS | JAN 248At the end of November ACIPC was represented at the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) Regional Meeting for the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region in Tokyo, Japan by Dr Peta-Anne Zimmerman, GOARN Focal Point and Board Director of ACIPC. The meeting was hosted by the GOARN partner National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM). The meeting brought partners from all over the Western Pacific Region with sessions focusing on the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework, health emergency workforce capacity strengthening, coordinated partner collaborations, surge capacity (with a session presented by recent Claire Boardman Award recipient Belinda Henderson from QIPCU), research evidence to action (moderated by Peta-Anne), and identifying solutions and priorities for the future.Priority areas for strengthening and forward planning included:• capacity building• partnerships• operational enhancements• surge capacity• expanding GOARN research• integrating solutions doe disaster response• GOARN regional monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning framework After the larger meeting Peta-Anne met with the IPC team at NCGM to discuss ongoing collaboration and partnership opportunities. Moving forward ACIPC will continue to collaborate and partner with region members organisations to provide training and support to outbreak response globally.ACIPC represents at GOARN meeting in TokyoIPC NEWS | JAN 248
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IPC NEWS | JAN 2410ENVIRONMENT MATTERS: What it’s like to be a patient in the healthcare systemBy an ACIPC memberSafety.Second most important human need according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: a feeling that the most important items (hunger, thirst, sickness) will not occur in the near future. Not what I felt I entering my room as an immunocompromised patient at a large metropolitan Victorian Hospital. IPC NEWS | JAN 2410
IPC NEWS | JAN 2411The walls were visibly scued, so much so that plaster was visible. The floors were black with scu marks and long-term grime. A game of Twister in an attempt reach my Crocs so I could visit the toilet. A constant challenge as sta moved them away to examine me or clean under the bed. The paint on the entry & toilet doors had been wiped away exposing raw, swollen MDF to the environment and microorganisms. I was afraid to touch these doors. When I arrived there was a sultana on the floor, moved around each day by the cleaner’s mop. Perhaps its not their job to pick it up, I thought. Me too sick in bed to reach down and throw it in the bin. Micropore tape attached to the IV pole/pump and Oxygen saturation probe. Two separate days a cleaner did not visit my room at all. I know because I spent all my days in that isolating room. Someone else’s faeces visible on the bathroom floor. I mentioned it to the cleaner, she either didn’t understand me or didn’t have time to bend down to scrub it clean. As I lay there genuinely concerned I would die from bacteria in my central line due to the poor conditions of the environment, I asked two days in a row to speak to the nurse unit manager about my concerns for my safety. He finally arrived and without writing a single thing down gave me the generic hospital complaint link. When I wrote down all my complaints as best as I could feeling fatigued, nauseated, and deconditioned, the complaints department asked me if I had brought this up with the NUM. Zero communication occurred about actions to rectify my concerns. I didn’t make it out of that hospital without 10 days of excruciating diarrhoea & abdominal pain. I’m just so thankful it wasn’t worse. Environment matters. It’s what makes you feel safe as well as genuinely keeping you safe. I write this to implore you to spend 2025 keeping your healthcare environments clean. IPC NEWS | JAN 2411
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IPC NEWS | JAN 24132025 Aged Care Community of Practice (CoP) Webinar seriesWednesday 19 February 2025Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) MeasureGuest speaker: Marianna Crank, Aged Care Pharmacist TeamWednesday 19 March 2025IPC practice in Home CareGuest speaker: Irene Baron -IPC Manager, Silver ChainWednesday 16 April 2025The NARI IDC-IMPROVE projectGuest speaker: Prof Joan Ostaszkiewicz & Elizabeth Watt, National Ageing Research InstituteWednesday 14 May 2025Companion Animals in Aged CareGuest speaker: Sam Jewell – CEO -Life view Aged Care Wednesday 18 June 2025IPC Train the Trainer – education skillsGuest speaker: Perri Wardell – Gerontology Nurse, Aged Care Manager and ACIPC FacilitatorWednesday 16 July 2025Management of blood borne viruses in aged careDr Jacqui Richmond, Program Manager, Workforce Development and Health Service Delivery- EC Australia at Burnet Institute Wednesday 20 August 2025In the life of an IPC leadChloe Tilson – IPC Lead and Kelly Barton – Executive Director of Clinical Services - Alpine Health Wednesday 17 September 2025Infection Control in a Home Care setting with a focus on aged careSteve Neal – Head of Clinical and Leadership Programs - Lorraine Poulos & AssocWednesday 15 October 2025Setting up for success, negotiating for resources and best use of themSandra Roodt- IPC Consultant - Calvery CareWednesday 17 December 2025Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and equipment in the aged care settingTerry McAuley – Director - Steam ConsultingMissed an Aged Care CoP webinar? You can watch recordings of the entire series herePresented by Carrie Spinks, ACIPC IPC ConsultantIPC NEWS | JAN 2413
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IPC NEWS | JAN 2415We are delighted to introduce the ACIPC Paediatric SIG, a dynamic community dedicated to advancing infection prevention and control (IPC) in all settings involving the paediatric population. Our group brings together ACIPC members who are passionate about delivering IPC that promotes the health and wellbeing of children and young persons. Whether you are directly involved in the delivery of paediatric IPC in specialist or generalist settings, or have a keen interest in this field, our SIG oers a platform for networking, learning, and professional development.Introducing the ACIPC Paediatric Special Interest GroupWe have an exciting lineup of activities planned for 2025, including bi-monthly meetings open to all ACIPC members. Each meeting will feature an educational webinar on a paediatric-focused IPC topic, followed by an open forum for questions and discussion related to paediatric IPC matters.Our first meeting will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, February 25th, where we will introduce the ACIPC Paediatric SIG and our terms of reference. This will be followed by an overview of key paediatric IPC issues and an opportunity for questions and discussion. We welcome the participation of all ACIPC members and look forward to your insights and contributions to shaping the future of paediatric IPC.Register for the February meeting by clicking here and stay tuned for more details on the 2025 program!Contact SIG Convenor: Claire Nayda - claire.nayda@health.nsw.gov.auREGISTER NOW
IPC NEWS | JAN 2416South Australian members are warmly invited to attend the first SA Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting on Thursday, 20 February from 5.30 – 7PMEvent Title and Summary:South Australian Special Interest Group AS5369 Standard and GENCA Guidelines for ReprocessingDate & Time:20th February 2025, 5.30-7.00 pm.Location: Royal Adelaide HospitalLevel 8D Lecture Theatre 1 Port Road, AdelaidePaid parking in the hospital parking or alternative parking outside on surrounding streets. Tram stops outside the hospital. Event Description:What is reprocessing and does the AS5369 standard apply to all healthcare facilities? What do acute sites with CSSD need to meet for ACSQHC requirements?Responding to positive microbiological surveillance results in the Gastrointestinal Unit.February SA SIG meetingSpeaker(s):• Andrew Ellis, State Coordinator, Sterilisation & Reprocessing, Infection Control Service, Communicable Disease Control Branch, Health Regulation & Protection, Department for Health and Wellbeing• Diana Lagana, Medical Scientist, Central Adelaide Local Health Network OPEN TO NON-MEMBERS AND MEMBERSREGISTER NOW
IPC NEWS | JAN 2417CLICK HERE TO REGISTERTopic: Aged care on-site pharmacist (ACOP) measurePresenter: Carrie SpinksGuest speaker: Marianna CrankThe Aged Care On-site Pharmacist Measure provides funding to engage pharmacists to work on-site in residential aged care homes. On-site pharmacists regularly review medications to reduce medication related harm and optimise the use of medicines. On-site pharmacists work closely with aged care sta and the healthcare team. The Aged Care On-site Pharmacist Measure commenced 1 July 2024. This presentation will discuss funding, eligibility, claiming and payment arrangements, the role of the on-site pharmacist and the upcoming role of Primary Health Networks.Our guest speaker will be Marianna Crank, who is currently a Director in Pharmacy Branch at the Department of Health and Aged Care. Her team has responsibility for a diverse range of programs including the Aged Care On-site Pharmacist Measure.
IPC NEWS | JAN 2418MEMBER PROFILE:Josh PhilpIPC NEWS | JAN 24Tell us about your background and how you came to be working in IPC?I’ve been a registered nurse for 16 years, and during that time, I’ve had the privilege of working across several states in Australia, including NSW Health, St Vincent's in Sydney, SA Health, and WA Health. I hold two master’s degrees—one in critical care and one in infection prevention and control.I spent nine years working in ICU, where I developed a strong passion for the world of Cardiothoracic Intensive Care and IPC.My journey into infection control began in my second year as a nurse when I was selected to become a Hand Hygiene Auditor and a link nurse. From there, I started backfilling for IPC sta on leave, and over time, I took on several roles within IPC and sta health. This ultimately led to my full-time position in IPC.Most recently, I served as the Nurse Manager for Infection Prevention and Control and Sta Health at Sout Eastern Sydney Local Health District NSW Health, where I had the opportunity to centralise a sta health team and lead meaningful changes within the Local Health District (LHD).What does a typical day look like for you?My typical day is evolving as I transition into the primary healthcare sector. It’s a significant change from working in a large LHD with over 1,250 beds and 12,500 sta, where the pace and scope of work were quite dierent.In primary healthcare, I’m working in GP clinics and focusing more on preventive care, community engagement, and ensuring consistent IPC practices across smaller teams and oce-based facilities.While the environment is dierent, the goal remains the same—improving patient safety and healthcare outcomes. I also work with GPs to support their important role in anti-microbial stewardship. They really are in the frontline of antibiotic prescribing, and it can be hard when you have a patient in your oce who is insisting they need antibiotics. 18
IPC NEWS | JAN 2419What are you passionate about in your field of IPC?I’m passionate about improving patient safety and outcomes through eective infection prevention and control practices. IPC plays a critical role in minimising healthcare-associated infections, which directly impacts patient recovery and quality of care.I’m particularly interested in the education and empowerment of sta at all levels to help them understand the importance of IPC measures and how to implement them in their daily practice.There’s also a strong focus on continuous improvement in IPC, and I’m driven by the opportunity to lead initiatives that contribute to safer healthcare environments and ultimately better health outcomes for patients and the wider community.Do you have any advice for people just starting out in the field?My advice would be to never stop asking questions and stay curious. IPC is a dynamic field that requires continuous learning, as new challenges and best practices evolve.Don’t be afraid to seek guidance from experienced professionals, as mentorship is invaluable. It’s also important to be patient and persistent—building knowledge and making an impact takes time.Lastly, find an area within IPC that you're truly passionate about, whether it's education, surveillance, or policy development, and focus on becoming an expert in that area. IPC is all about collaboration and making a dierence, so always keep the bigger picture in mind—our work has a direct impact on improving patient care and safety.How do you like to unwind after a busy week? Any hobbies or interests you'd care to share with us?I enjoy staying active and unwind by hitting the gym, swimming, and doing reformer pilates classes. A good game of water polo is always a fun way to relax and let o some steam.I also make sure to take time to disconnect from work and spend quality time with friends. It’s important to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
IPC NEWS | JAN 2420Aged Care Connexion ForumHave you checked out our Aged Care Connexion Forum yet?ACIPC’s online forums are the College’s platform to facilitate communication, share ideas, seek advice from peers, and benefit from the experience of other members. Our Aged Care Connexion Forum allows members to post and answer questions, subscribe to email notifications, and search online archives suitable to their specialty.We invite members working in aged care (residential and home care) to join the Aged Care Connexion Forum and participate in IPC conversations and network with those in the industry.FIND OUT MORE ABOUT AGED CARE CONNEXION HERE
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER CLICK HERERegister now for ESPID 202543rd Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID 2025)26-30 May 2024Bucharest and OnlineRegistration is now open for the 43rd Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases, happening 26-30 May 2024 in beautiful Bucharest, Romania and online. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect with global experts, discover cutting-edge research, and advance the fight against infectious diseases in children. Register early and save up to €190 on your spot.IPC NEWS | JAN 2421
IPC NEWS | JAN 2422The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) have released an updated user manual for the ACGS Infection Control Clinical Indicator Set.ACHS user manual updatesACIPC Board Directors Ann Whitfield and Nicola Isles were among the members in the working party for this project. Several changes were made to reflect current practice in surgical infection surveillance and antibiotic prophylaxis.The clinical indicator for surgical site infections following laparoscopic-assisted large bowel resection was split into two indicators, reflecting current practice: laparoscopic colon resections and laparoscopic/lap assisted/robotic rectal resections. The working party also added two new indicators in this area: surgical site infections following craniotomy and spinal surgery.The updated manual was endorsed by the Australasian College of Infection prevention and Control and the ACHS Board, and can be found on the POS user manual webpage here.Members are invited to collect data using these indicators from January 2025, for submission by 20 August 2025.PAID ADVERT
12 February 202513:00-14:00 (CET)Mass gatherings, Safe gatherings: Key public health considerations country experiencesREGISTER HERE 19 March 202513:00-14:00 (CET)Ethical considerations for social listening in infodemic management for public health emergencies: WHO guidanceREGISTER HEREIPC NEWS | JAN 2423WHO EPI-WIN webinars 2025EPI-WIN: WHO Information Network for Epidemics are holding free webinars in 2025. Here are some upcoming dates:
BUG OF THE MONTHMeaslesKaren McKennaWhat is it?Measles is a highly infectious acute viral disease, that can cause serious medical complications. In 2014 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Australia to have eliminated endemic measles through an eective vaccination program, with most cases now linked to overseas travellers, the unvaccinated or those only partially vaccinated in childhood1. However, measles remains common in many parts of the world and outbreaks continue to occur in a number of countries2. A surge in measles cases in late 2024 in South East Asia has resulted in cases reaching Australia with NSW, QLD and Victoria reporting measles cases3. Travel to countries with outbreaks could lead to exposure to measles and includes, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, as well as countries in the United Kingdom, Middle East, North America, Europe and Africa4. IPC NEWS | JAN 2424SymptomsEarly symptoms of measles usually last 2-4 days and includes cold and flu-like symptoms of fever, fatigue, cough, coryza and conjunctivitis, followed by a maculopapular rash that typically begins on the upper neck and face, before spreading and becoming generalised. Complications from measles occurs in about 10% of cases and can include ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and encephalitis2,5. How is it transmitted?Measles is spread by respiratory secretions including airborne particles, and the virus can survive for up to 2 hours in the air5. People with measles are considered infectious from 2-4 days before the onset of the rash, and up to 4 days after the rash appears6. The incubation period for measles is between 7 – 18 days5,7. At risk groupsPeople are at risk of measles if they have never had measles infection and have not received two doses of a measles containing vaccine2. Young infants, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of complications from measles7.
PreventionImmunisation is the best way to protect against measles infection2, with the current recommendation for two doses of a measles containing vaccine at least 4 weeks apart, with 99% of people developing immunity after a second vaccine5. During the COVID-19 pandemic measles vaccination rates fell throughout the world, with more than 40 million children reported to have missed a dose5. Healthcare workers are recommended to have evidence of 2 doses of a measles containing vaccine or serological evidence of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella5.Key messagesVaccination is key to eliminating measles. Healthcare workers should provide evidence of vaccination or serological immunity.IPC NEWS | JAN 2425References1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Measles in Australia. Australian Government; 2018.2. NSW Health. Measles fact sheet. 20 December 2024 2024;(Infectious diseases, fact sheets.)3. E Handley. Measles outbreaks in South-East Asia bringing cases to Australia. ABC news. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-08/measles-outbreaks-in-south-east-asia-bringing-cases-to-australia/1047890884. Victorian Department of Health. More measles cases in Victoria. 4 Jan 2025 2024;(Health alerts and advisories)5. Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). The Australian Immunisation Handbook. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; 2022.6. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare. National health and Medical Research Council; 2019.7. Victorian Department of Health. Measles. Disease information and advice. 2023;
REQUEST FOR OFFER: Evaluation of ACIPC'S credentialling programRequest for Oer (RFO)The provision of services to undertake an evaluation of the Australasian College for Infection and Control’s Credentialling program for Infection Control Professionals.RFO Document: ACIPC Request for Oer – Review of CredentiallingOverviewThe Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) is the peak body for Infection Prevention and Control professionals within the Australasian region and operates as a not-for profit organisation. ACIPC is seeking to engage a qualified organisation to undertake an external review of the credentialing pathways for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) professionals.Credentialing provides an industry recognised pathway for IPC professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and attributes. The purpose of credentialing is to provide an independent standard for assessing IPC competency and knowledge and understanding of the evidence for IPC within healthcare settings.The aim of the requested evaluation is to determine whether the credentialling assessment framework and evaluation of applicants is contemporary and adequately recognises the skills, knowledge and expertise of all ACIPC members, through a process that is rigorous, transparent, and provide consistent outcomes throughout the application process.This evaluation is needed to ensure that ACIPC is providing its members with industry recognition through its flagship program in the region. The credentialing assessment framework needs to provide recognition of the diversity of careers and breadth of the profession, by demonstrating recognition of the applicant’s role and expertise, including the acknowledgement of diverse and specialist IPC roles. Further, recognition needs to encompass acknowledgment of contributions to the profession and dierent professional pathways, including leadership roles with an Infection Prevention and Control focus.Due DateOers will be accepted until 6 p.m. (AEDT) on 5 February 2025.IPC NEWS | JAN 2426
IPC NEWS | JAN 2427Widmer AF, Atkinson A, Kuster SP, Wolfensberger A, Klimke S, Sommerstein R, et al. Povidone Iodine vs Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Alcohol for Preoperative Skin Antisepsis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2024;332(7):541-9. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.8531Leistner R, Kohlmorgen B, Brodzinski A, Schwab F, Lemke E, Zakonsky G, et al. Environmental cleaning to prevent hospital-acquired infections on non-intensive care units: a pragmatic, single-centre, cluster randomized controlled, crossover trial comparing soap-based, disinfection and probiotic cleaning. EClinicalMedicine 2023;59:101958. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101958Denkel LA, Voss A, Caselli E, Dancer SJ, Leistner R, Gastmeier P, et al. Can probiotics trigger a paradigm shift for cleaning healthcare environments? A narrative review. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024;13(1):119. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-024-01474-6Infection Control Matters Podcast The 2024 End of Year SpecialIn this episode, Brett, Phil and Martin reflect on the year. We chat about favourite podcasts, papers and conferences in our usual informal manner (well probably even more informal than normal). Papers we mention are listed below.Cimen C, Bathoorn E, Loeve AJ, Fliss M, Berends MS, Nagengast WB, et al. Uncovering the spread of drug-resistant bacteria through next-generation sequencing based surveillance: transmission of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales by a contaminated duodenoscope. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024;13(1):31. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-024-01386-5Torres-Teran MM, Greentree DH, Varghese MM, Cadnum JL, Pavis RL, Saade EA, et al. Identifying and Remediating Super-splasher Sinks to Reduce Dispersal of Pathogens From Sink Drains. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024;11(7):ofae293. https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofae293Bush M, Bennett CM, Hutchinson A, Bouchoucha SL. Post implementation quarantine recommendations that support preparedness: A systematic review and quarantine implementation capability framework. Infect Dis Health 2024;29(3):152-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idh.2024.02.004Dhar S, Jinadatha C, Kilgore PE, Henig O, Divine GW, Todter EN, et al. Lowering the Acquisition of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) With Pulsed-xenon (LAMP) Study: A Cluster-Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blinded, Interventional Crossover Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2024;79(4):1024-30. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciae240TO LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE
28IPC NEWS | JAN 24Infection Control Matters PodcastEngaging Junior Doctors in IPCIn this episode recorded at the 2024 Australasian College of Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) Conference in Melbourne, Brett and Phil talk to Dr Sarah Browning (ID Physician at Hunter New England) and two Junior Medical Ocers (JMOs) Sam and Lochlan who worked on IPC-related projects whilst on placement.A poster walk at ACIPC 2024In this episode Brett and Phil chat about a few of the posters presented at the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC). 2024 Conference held in Melbourne in November 2024. Poster topics include hand hygiene, surveillance, and a pilot RCT on chlorhexidine impregnated dressings.TO LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE
Latest articles from Infection, Disease & HealthSelected Publications of Interest The application of environmental health assessment strategies to detect Streptococcus pyogenes in Kimberley school classroomsStephanie L. Enkela, Bernadette Wong, August Mikucki, Abbey J. Ford, Megan O'Brien, Tharushi Pallegedara, Liam Bedford, Hannah M.M. Thomas, Nina Lansbury, Jonathan R. Carapetis, Dylan D. Barth, Janessa Pickering,, Asha C. BowenTing JYS. Letter in response to: M. Olsen, A. Goldsworthy, M. Morgan et al., Microbial laden mobile phones from international conference attendees pose potential risks to public health and biosecurity, Infection, Disease & HealthJoseph TingAvian Flu: Latest Developments and Should We Be Concerned?Avian Flu Risks in Veterinary Practice: Protecting Those on the FrontlinesCommon antibiotic linked to rise of almost untreatable superbugScientists make promising breakthrough against bacteria that attacks Australian ICU patientsIPC NEWS | JAN 2429The environmental impact and sustainability of infection control practices: a systematic scoping reviewPerspectives and awareness of environmental sustainability in the infection prevention and control community nationally Hand hygiene remains key in mobile phone cross-infection risk – Author responseMatthew Olsen, Adrian Goldsworthy, Mark Morgan, John Leggett, Thibaut Demaneuf, Natalia Van Der Bruggen, Gobinddeep Singh, Rose Ghemrawi, Abiola Senok, Reem Almheiri, Simon McKirdy, Rashed Alghafri, Lotti Tajouri
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