Breaking the Chain of Infection During IPC Week 2024

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Week 2024 is here! Running from October 13th to 19th, this year’s theme is ‘Move the needle on IPC by breaking the chain of infection!’ 

As a time for aged care providers to reflect and act on best practices, IPC Week is the perfect opportunity to promote and prioritise effective infection prevention and control strategies. The focus is on breaking the chain of infection, which requires the commitment and vigilance of everyone involved in aged care.

In this article, we explore actionable strategies to strengthen IPC practices.

With residential aged care communities required to have Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Leads on-site and an ongoing emphasis on compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards, providers must continue enhancing their IPC capabilities.

The Chain of Infection: Understanding the Six Links

To break the chain, it’s critical to understand its six key components: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Effective IPC strategies disrupt these links, reducing the likelihood of infections spreading in residential and community aged care settings. Here are targeted actions for each component:

Components	Actions
Infectious Agent	Use antimicrobial stewardship to manage and reduce the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Reservoir	Maintain stringent cleaning and disinfection of equipment and environments.
Portal of Exit	Maintain stringent cleaning and disinfection of equipment and environments.
Mode of Transmission	Promote the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and physical distancing where necessary.
Portal of Entry	Enhance skin care and respiratory protections to reduce new infection entry points.
Susceptible Host	Strengthen immunity through vaccinations and ensure vulnerable residents are supported with tailored care plans.

By targeting these six links, providers can build a robust infection control environment that protects residents and staff alike.

Regulatory Compliance and the Role of Infection Prevention and Control Leads

Every Australian residential aged care provider must have a qualified IPC Lead on-site who oversees infection control, supports outbreak management, and drives continuous improvement across the home. 

This role has become more critical than ever, as highlighted by the recent findings in the Sector Performance Report, where compliance with current Quality Standard 3 (Personal Care and Clinical Care) and Standard 8 (Organisational Governance) saw declines ​in the latest Sector Performance Report. 

In addition ensuring that IPC Leads are empowered and equipped with the latest training and resources is essential to maintaining compliance and safeguarding residents.

A valuable resource for aged care providers is the Infection Control Monitoring Checklist from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. This checklist aids in evaluating and enhancing infection prevention and control practices by helping identify areas for improvement. By incorporating this tool into regular IPC audits, providers can ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and foster a culture of safety within their organisation.

Six Actionable Steps for Providers:

1. Review and Update IPC Policies: Regularly update your infection control policies in line with evolving guidelines and integrate learnings from sector performance reports. Use the Anchor Academy for training modules that emphasise evidence-based IPC practices.
2. Enhance IPC Training: Train staff beyond basic IPC protocols, focusing on real-world scenarios and outbreak management. Ensure your IPC Lead has completed an approved IPC course and is involved in strategic discussions on infection control​.
3. Conduct Regular IPC Audits: Implement a routine audit schedule to review the effectiveness of your current IPC strategies. Pay close attention to high-risk areas like communal dining spaces and resident rooms.
4. Utilise Tracking for Monitoring: Consider tools and data tracking to monitor infection rates and compliance in real-time. The Anchor Policy suite offers templates and tools to support documentation and compliance checks.
5. Strengthen Communication Channels: Foster a culture of open communication about IPC among staff, residents, and their families. Use newsletters, staff meetings, and educational posters to keep everyone informed and engaged.
6. Prepare for Outbreaks: Develop and maintain an up-to-date outbreak management plan. This should include escalation procedures, staffing contingency plans, and communication strategies for residents and their families. It is important to review Covid Outbreak Management Plans – i.e. we manage things differently now compared to when we first dealt with COVID-19.

Aligning IPC Efforts with Quality Standards and the New Aged Care Act

With the changes in the new Aged Care Act, it is vital to ensure that your IPC practices are in line with the regulatory requirements​.The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will continue to scrutinise compliance with infection control standards, making it imperative for providers to not only meet but exceed expectations.

Moving the Needle on IPC

As we recognise IPC Week 2024 and strengthen our infection control practices by breaking the chain of infection, take the time to;

1.  review your education and competencies, 
2.  audit your systems,
3. Ensure policy and process are fit for purpose and easy to understand. improvements. 

Anchor Excellence, Anchor Academy and Anchor Policy are here to support your journey towards safer, more resilient aged care environments.

Explore the full suite of IPC resources and training programs through Anchor Academy and ensure that your team is equipped to protect the health and safety of your community every day.

Ready to break the chain? Contact us today to learn more about how Anchor Excellence can help you lead in IPC!