Managing infectious respiratory diseases in aged care

Infection prevention and control in aged care

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is essential for the safety and wellbeing of older people accessing aged care. It helps prevent the spread of common infectious diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, and gastroenteritis.

Important update for IPC Leads

IPC Leads who are working towards ‘specialist training’ no longer need to complete the COVID-19 IPC training modules. Instead, they should complete Interim IPC training.

We no longer require aged care providers to report IPC Lead details.

Providers must still follow general record-keeping obligations outlined in the Records Principles 2014.

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

  • having an effective IPC program in place
  • appointing an IPC Lead onsite
  • providing IPC training and education to all your workers.

IPC Leads

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

In-home care providers do not need to have an IPC Lead. However, we encourage you 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.

Interim training

IPC Leads who has not yet completed specialist IPC training, or are currently working towards it, must first complete Interim IPC training. This training provides foundational knowledge and supports their progress toward specialist training.

The Interim IPC training is available on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s (ACQSCs) Aged Care Learning Information Solution (Alis) learning platform, under the course titled ‘IPC Lead Interim Training’. The training covers:

  • hand hygiene
  • principles of infection prevention and control
  • risk management for infectious agents and diseases
  • the Basics of Infection Prevention and Control for Aged Care: Train the Trainer.

IPC Leads who have already completed specialist IPC training are not required to complete the Interim IPC training.

IPC Leads should keep a copy of their completion certificates.

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

Where IPC Leads need extra training, providers should support them to take the training as soon as possible and provide study leave.

Reporting

We no longer require providers, including National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) providers, to report details of their IPC Lead through the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal.

We will still collect information on the role through existing channels. Providers must still meet general record-keeping obligations, outlined in the Records Principles 2014.

Compliance

The IPC Lead role should:

  • 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 processes to appoint an IPC Lead.

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 do not 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

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

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