Background: In 2000, in keeping with community expectation that health care facilities throughout the state provide efficient, structured and consistent infection control programs the Victorian government introduced a system that entailed the appointment of additional qualified Infection Control Professionals. Ten positions were allocated to the five rural regions. In 2001, these representatives held a meeting and decided to create a collaborative group (Rural Infection Control Practice Group) in order to develop and share evidence based resources and provide a forum for liaison between rural ICP’s.
Achievements:
Widespread sharing of education packages, generic manual, brochures, audit tools, website and seminars has assisted rural hospitals to achieve excellent results in accreditation.
Several years of inter-regional auditing of 71 hospitals has allowed for comparative benchmarking to highlight where education and resources are required.
AS/NZS 4187 audits conducted have in resulted in increase in compliance. Some facilities have closed their sterilising facilities to reduce the risk.
Point Prevalence Surveillance of infection in residential aged care facilities has provided evidence of infection rates in up to 3292 residents, in lack of Australian published data.
Audits of ultrasound transducer reprocessing has resulted in 14% compliance in 2006 to 70% compliance in 2009 and update of the Australian Society of Ultrasound Medicine guidelines in 2011.
Summary: Ten years of ongoing commitment of RICPRAC has enabled the rural facilities to provide more consistent, cost efficient and efficient programs, created communication and networking and has eased the sense of isolation that had plagued rural professionals.