Refining process to improve outcomes in cancer care: impact of a multi-modal infection prevention program utilising new technologies

Ms Lela Jevtovic1, ms Elizabeth Gillespie1, ms cheryl faul1, ms Anna lillas1, mr Leon Worth2

1Infection Prevention Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
2Infection Prevention Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, National Centre for Infections in Cancer (NCIC), Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

Introduction: Infection prevention frameworks have been enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We report the impact of implementing new technologies, refined auditing practices and a new nursing link program at a quaternary cancer centre during the pandemic.

Methods: The following program elements were implemented over a 6-month period in 2020: (i) new technologies for education and auditing of process measures, (ii) refined auditing practices, and (iii) a nurse link program. Changes were supported by an increase in infection prevention resources (2.4 to 3.4 EFT) and overseen by the Infection Prevention Committee.

Results: Electronic tools were developed and introduced for mandatory infection prevention training of staff and auditing of hand hygiene and aseptic technique in clinical departments. Continuous hand hygiene auditing was implemented and ultraviolet marking was utilised for audits of cleaning practices. A nurse-link infection prevention program was established for clinical departments, with monthly educational meetings and feedback to staff. Healthcare-associated Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection rates were 1.6/10,000 occupied bed days (OBDs) during the 12-months prior to implementation and 0.3/10,000 OBDs in the 6-month period following implementation.

Conclusion: Refinement of a multi-modal infection prevention program with adoption of new technologies has demonstrated improved quality of care and resource allocation amidst pandemic responses. These changes are relevant to a range of healthcare settings, including non-cancer care.


Biography:

1987 qualified as a general nurse from Royal Melbourne Hospital. 1993 graduated with Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) from Monash University worked in the banking and energy sectors as a data and marketing analyst until 2013. Started working in IP during the Ebola outbreak of 2014, with a focus on emergency preparedness. 2020 graduated with a post graduate certificate in infection control from the University of Adelaide.

Date

Nov 08 2021
Expired!

Time

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Local Time

  • Timezone: America/New_York
  • Date: Nov 08 2021
  • Time: 12:00 am - 1:00 am