Infection prevention and control in aged care

Aged care providers are obligated by the Aged Care Quality Standards to minimise infection-related risks, including:

• have an effective IPC program in place
• appoint an IPC Lead onsite
• provide IPC training and education to all your workers.

IPC Leads

All residential aged care providers must appoint an IPC Lead, including for the:

• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program (NATSIFAC) Program
• Multi-Purpose Services (MPS) Program.

In-home care providers do not need to have an IPC Lead. However, you are encouraged to appoint one or more workers to oversee your IPC program.

An IPC Lead must:

• be a registered or enrolled nurse who has completed, or in the process of completing – specialist IPC training
• be hired by and report to the aged care provider
• work on site and be dedicated to a residential aged care home
• observe, assess and report to the provider on the IPC measures the aged care home has in place
• help develop and review IPC procedures and protocols based on current advice
• provide advice for the aged care home and work to build workers’ understanding of IPC
• be the key IPC contact for the aged care home, overseeing screening and vaccination programs
• support the aged care home’s antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) program.

Providers should support IPC Leads with resources, time, and ongoing professional development opportunities to do their role effectively.

It is up to the provider to decide the workload the IPC Lead has. The IPC Lead can be a full-time position or multiple IPC Leads can share IPC responsibilities.

The Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Guide provides advice on applying IPC measures using a risk based approach.

IPC Lead training requirements

The IPC Lead must complete specialist training that is:

• specified at the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 8
• delivered by a recognised education or training provider
• requires students to pass assessments to complete the course
• focused on IPC.

IPC Leads must keep a copy of their completion certificates as proof.

The following training courses meet the requirements (IPC Leads are not limited to this list):

• Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control, ACIPC
• Graduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control, Griffith University
• Master of Infection Prevention and Control, Griffith University
• Graduate Certificate of Infection Control, James Cook University
• Graduate Certificate in Nursing Science (Infection Control Nursing), University of Adelaide.

IPC Leads who have not completed specialist IPC training, must complete interim IPC training modules available on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission online learning platform – Aged Care Learning Information Solution (Alis).

The following modules are the minimum completion requirement:

1. Hand hygiene 
2. Principles of infection prevention and control
3. Risk management for infectious agents and diseases
4. The basics of infection prevention and control for aged care: Train the trainer.

These modules are essential for IPC Leads to work towards completing a specialist course.

The modules are also available on the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care National Hand Hygiene Initiative’s (NHHI) Learning Management System (LMS).

Reporting

Each aged care home must report details of their IPC Lead through the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal using your Residential Aged Care Service (RACS) ID.

NATSIFAC providers should identify each aged care home by location and complete the IPC Lead reporting form.

Reporting includes:

• name and position of the IPC Lead
• nursing registration status
• completion status of IPC online training modules
• details of specialist qualification or training courses.

Any changes to the IPC Lead must also be reported, including:

• removal of a previous IPC Lead
• addition of a newly appointed IPC Lead
• enrolment and completion of IPC training
• the name, contact and qualification details of the IPC Lead.

You must keep evidence of and report on IPC Lead costs, including engagement and training as part of the Aged Care Financial Report (ACFR).

Compliance

The IPC Lead role aims to:

• maintain high standards of IPC to protect aged care residents
• support providers to meet their IPC responsibilities
• be supported by other workers and/or external consultants as a part of their IPC program.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will monitor and audit your IPC responsibilities aligned to the Quality Standards, including:

• implement the IPC Lead requirements, such as qualifications and expertise
• provide and record ongoing IPC training for all workers.

For more information, see the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s Infection Prevention and Control Leads: updates for providers.

To maintain high IPC standards you and your IPC Lead should regularly assess IPC practices. Use continuous improvement processes, such as:

• regular audits
• monitor and review data.

Evaluate your IPC programs with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s IPC governance self-assessment checklist.

Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is when microbes and pathogens evolve to resist medicines, making infections harder to treat. This can be a risk for aged care residents, who have complex health care needs.

AMR can develop naturally over time through genetic changes in the micro-organisms. Activities that contribute to AMR, include:

• using antibiotics or other antimicrobial drugs when you don’t need them
• overprescribing and improper use of antibiotics, such as not completing a prescribed course of treatment.

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is making sure antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, are:

• used only when necessary
• prescribed in the right amounts to minimise resistance.

Preventing infections through effective IPC measures can reduce AMR, such as:

• regular vaccination against infectious disease
• good hand hygiene practices
• proper cleaning measures.

Monitoring infection rates and antimicrobial use can help make sure antibiotics are used in the correct way.

Aged care workers should complete AMS principles training to understand when antibiotics are needed and how to use them responsibly.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission provide resources on antimicrobial resistance and stewardship in aged care.

Training resources

Training will strengthen IPC knowledge, helping you and your workers prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

• Online learning – Alis essential training for aged care workers and IPC Leads to understand their IPC obligations.
• Partnerships in care program training packages for providers, families and carers partnering in the care of an older person in aged care.
• IPC online tools for key IPC guidance and resources.

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

• National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI) Learning Management System (LMS) IPC modules to support healthcare workers and students.
• Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Guide outlines the basic IPC principles and explains how to apply the principles using a risk-based approach.
• IPC – Advanced Education eLearning Modules developed for IPC workers and staff with an interest or wanting to advance their skills in IPC.
• Guidance resources tailored for aged care providers and workers.