Healthcare Associated Infections In Australia

Endorsed by the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) ACIPC is the peak body for infection prevention and control professionals in the Australasian region. Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs) are a major threat to patient safety and the quality of healthcare globally. Despite this, Australia does not have a nationally coordinated program for the surveillance and reporting of HAIs. Epidemiology of Healthcare-associated Infections in Australia is Australia’s first peer-reviewed, evidence-based assessment of the epidemiology of HAIs using publicly available data from hospital-acquired complications (HACs), state-based surveillance systems and peer-reviewed and grey literature sources. This important work has been compiled by some of Australia’s leading infection control professionals and researchers. It will build national consensus on definitions, surveillance methodology and reporting of the incidence of HAIs. In doing so, it provides hospitals and those working in infection prevention and control an opportunity to benchmark and evaluate interventions to reduce infections and ensure transparency on reporting methods that will strengthen Australia’s efforts to prevent and control HAIs. Here is a great article published in Sydney Morning Herald on the publication of Epidemiology of Healthcare-associated infections in Australia. Collated publicly available HAI surveillance definitions from jurisdictions across Australia Collated publicly available national HACs HAI data derived from the associated surveillance programs Identification of the gaps in both publicly available HAI data from different sources and the lack of publicly available HAI surveillance data in one serialised title Supporting video summarising key content

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is everybody's responsibility. Healthcare-associated Infections in Australia is the first Australian text to address 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. The text is designed for both students and practising clinicians, and is presented in two sections - Principles and Practice - for ease of use. 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. - Includes practice tips, case studies and video-based learning materials providing real-life examples across more than 20 health professions - Suitable for increasing IPC knowledge across all members of the multidisciplinary team. Content is pitched at different levels, with examples ranging from novice to expert - Aligned to the Australian National Infection Control Guidelines 2019 and the NSQHS Standard Preventing and Controlling Healthcare Associated Infections, as well as the nine hospital-acquired complication (HAC) HAIs addressed in specific chapters - Endorsed by the Australian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) and the Australian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID) - Supported by a companion text, Epidemiology of Healthcare-associated Infections in Australia, providing data on the epidemiology of healthcare-associated surveillance in Australia Instructor and Student resources on Evolve: Multiple Choice Questions Case Studies Abbreviations and Glossary Useful Websites / Resources Video-based learning materials

These guidelines provide recommendations that outline the critical aspects of infection prevention and control. The recommendations were developed using the best available evidence and consensus methods by the Infection Control Steering Committee. They have been prioritised as key areas to prevent and control infection in a healthcare facility. It is recognised that the level of risk may differ according to the different types of facility and therefore some recommendations should be justified by risk assessment. When implementing these recommendations all healthcare facilities need to consider the risk of transmission of infection and implement according to their specific setting and circumstances.

These guidelines provide recommendations that outline the critical aspects of infection prevention and control. The recommendations were developed using the best available evidence and consensus methods by the Infection Control Steering Committee. They have been prioritised as key areas to prevent and control infection in a healthcare facility. It is recognised that the level of risk may differ according to the different types of facility and therefore some recommendations should be justified by risk assessment. When implementing these recommendations all healthcare facilities need to consider the risk of transmission of infection and implement according to their specific setting and circumstances.

Infections that occur in the wound created by an invasive surgical procedure are generally referred to as surgical site infections (SSIs). SSIs are one of the most important causes of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). A prevalence survey undertaken in 2006 suggested that approximately 8% of patients in hospital in the UK have an HCAI. SSIs accounted for 14% of these infections and nearly 5% of patients who had undergone a surgical procedure were found to have developed an SSI. However, prevalence studies tend to underestimate SSI because many of these infections occur after the patient has been discharged from hospital. SSIs are associated with considerable morbidity and it has been reported that over one-third of postoperative deaths are related, at least in part, to SSI. However, it is important to recognise that SSIs can range from a relatively trivial wound discharge with no other complications to a life-threatening condition. Other clinical outcomes of SSIs include poor scars that are cosmetically unacceptable, such as those that are spreading, hypertrophic or keloid, persistent pain and itching, restriction of movement, particularly when over joints, and a significant impact on emotional wellbeing. SSI can double the length of time a patient stays in hospital and thereby increase the costs of health care. Additional costs attributable to SSI of between £814 and £6626 have been reported depending on the type of surgery and the severity of the infection. The main additional costs are related to re-operation, extra nursing care and interventions, and drug treatment costs. The indirect costs, due to loss of productivity, patient dissatisfaction and litigation, and reduced quality of life, have been studied less extensively.

A clear, hands-on outline of best practices for infection prevention that directly improve patient outcomes across the healthcare continuum.