Australia's pathway to a national centres for diseases control - Comparing the current infection prevention and control structures

ABSTRACT

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a focus for Infection Prevention and Control and unprecedented interest from all walks of the healthcare and non-healthcare system. There is little research information on state and national structures for Infection Prevention and Control across Australia. In Australia state and national programs were created to respond to healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and their prevention, however understanding the structures, connection or lack there off possibly the cause for historical disengagement by clinicians. This study compared the jurisdictional programs to begin to understand the complexities and need for improvement. Method(s) This study examined the characteristics of the HAI Programs across Australian national, states and territories and level of focus placed on IPC through publicly available. websites followed by a qualitative survey of jurisdictional program leads using a questionnaire. Result(s) There were variations to websites and consistent complexity for navigation. Differences were reported on staffing levels, resources, competency levels. governance, title of programs and focus areas, however themes within programs mostly consistent. Conclusion The complex nature, varied governance, staffing, resources, expertise and program priority differences and the lack of a consistent statewide governance structure has potentially contributed to a disconnected approach to IPC programs that fails to adequately support the notion of clinician engagement to IPC and also raises additional questions around national approach and narrative for an Australian CDC.Copyright © 2022