TIPCU Engagement Program in Rural Hospitals and Non-Acute Settings

Abstract

<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In 2012 the Tasmanian Infection Prevention and Control Unit (TIPCU) implemented an Infection Control Assessment (ICA) program in rural hospitals and non-acute settings (RHANAS). The three main aims of the ICA program are: <ol> <li>Build clinician capacity in RHANAS</li> <li>Have the ability to assess and manage infection control risks</li> <li>Foster local ownership of infection prevention and control by individual service providers and clinicians.</li> </ol></p> <p>The project implementation and evaluation is ongoing.</p> <p><strong>Methods: </strong>The ICA consists of a range of location and process specific audits, designed specifically for RHANS. Each rural hospital in Tasmania participated in the ICA program during 2012. The program was undertaken collaboratively by a TIPCU CNC, regional infection prevention and control clinical nurse educator and either the DON of the hospital or a designated representative. The majority of the assessments were done on site at each rural hospital in conjunction with a short education program which was tailored on requests from each facility.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Consistent themes emerged from the results of each rural hospital ICA. These included the following set of challenges relating to infection prevention and control: <ul> <li>No management plan including no regular or structured auditing program</li> <li>No consistent orientation messages</li> <li>Limited direction for site portfolio holders</li> <li>Limited or no healthcare associated infection surveillance programs</li> <li>No ongoing education for staff</li> <li>Outdated policies and procedures</li> </ul></p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The TIPCU in conjunction with the regional Tasmanian Health Organisations (THO) are working collaboratively to address the challenges identified by the ICA program. The TIPCU have produced a template for an infection prevention and control management plan, a portfolio position description and tools for undertaking surveillance in RHANS. The additional challenges identified by the ICA are being addressed at the local THO level.</p>