A priority framework for the development of a health care-associated infection surveillance program in Australian residential aged care homes: Analysis of a Delphi technique

Watson, E; Worth, LJ; Thursky, K; Lim, LL; Bull, A; Sluggett, JK; Dunt, D; Bennett, N; National Infection Surveillance Program for Aged Care (NISPAC) Advisory Group

Author(s): Watson, E; Worth, LJ; Thursky, K; Lim, LL; Bull, A; Sluggett, JK; Dunt, D; Bennett, N; National Infection Surveillance Program for Aged Care (NISPAC) Advisory Group;
Details: Publication Year 2025-09,Volume 53,Issue #9,Page 932-937
Journal Title: American Journal of Infection Control
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is no agreed scope for a comprehensive national residential aged care home (RACH) health care-associated infection (HAI) surveillance program in Australia. METHODS: Three sequential surveys were anonymously and independently completed by 25 to 40 subject experts. Participants rated the importance and feasibility of including potential program elements in a national RACH HAI surveillance program using Likert scales. Aggregate agreement levels were defined as consensual (≥ 90%, surveys 2 and 3), high (≥ 75%, survey 1 or 75%-89%, surveys 2 and 3), moderate (31%-74%, all surveys), or low (≤ 30%, all surveys). Program elements were classified "priority 1" (if there was consensual agreement for importance and feasibility), 2, 3, or nonpriority. RESULTS: Of 58 potential program elements, 26 were classified as priority 1; this included program elements focused on infection surveillance (5), infection detection criteria (1), organism surveillance (8), isolate monitoring methods (1), vaccination compliance (4), vaccination compliance targets (4), and antimicrobial appropriateness measures (3). Six, 14, and 12 program elements were classified priority 2, 3, and nonpriority, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study developed a strategic framework for a national RACH HAI surveillance program by determining priorities for inclusion of program elements. This framework will be used to develop a pilot program for Australian RACHs.
Publisher: Elsevier
Keywords: Humans; Australia/epidemiology; *Cross Infection/epidemiology/prevention & control; *Infection Control/methods; *Homes for the Aged; Delphi Technique; Aged; *Epidemiological Monitoring; Surveys and Questionnaires; Nursing Homes; Cross infection; Long-term care facilities; Surveillance
Department(s): Infectious Diseases; Health Information Services
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2025.05.019
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2025-08-14 05:00:32

Last Modified: 2025-09-16 11:53:38