Australian infection prevention and control governance, strategy and structure: Design for success

Governance, strategy and organisational structure for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs across Australia remain variable. The standardisation and integration of these functions across jurisdictions are critical for effective advancement of IPC across health systems.

Across the Australian Federal, State and Territory jurisdictions, the study examined a twofold research question: first, what are the governance, strategy and organisational structures of IPC programs?; and second, what are the essential elements for a standardised, consistent IPC governance framework?

Comprising four integrated steps: preconference document analysis of key jurisdictional program information; a survey of conference participants; open discussion - an expert panel of jurisdictional leads and conference participants; and expert panel review, incorporating mixed methods and a modified Delphi approach for consensus and validated guidance.

IPC representatives across Australia participated in this study with 44 % (226/513) responses. Structures reported included: patient safety, public health, or infectious diseases. Reported key elements for effective IPC governance included IPC leadership expertise (42 %), a consistent and transparent structure (30 %), and adequate resourcing and funding for IPC (18 %). IPC governance structures across Australia remain substantially variable. The Australian Centre for Disease Control (AusCDC) is considered the pre-eminent IPC governance agency, that could enhance IPC governance, structure and strategic direction.

Clear governance, strategy, and organisational structures have a critical role in the effectiveness of IPC programs and healthcare associated infection reduction strategies. The developed framework provides additional insight towards a comprehensive, standardised national IPC governance framework, offering opportunity for improvement and informing future priorities.