The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has released its final report on the Evaluation of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Nurse Lead role in Residential Aged Care Homes. The review focuses on four key areas:

1. Implementation of the IPC role and provision of guidance
2. Appropriateness of the role in the sector, including perceptions and experiences
3. Support for the role from governing bodies (including funding) and providers
4. Impact of the role within residential aged care facilities and on nursing staff

This comprehensive review demonstrates  the benefits of the IPC Lead role while highlighting the need for clearer structure and stronger support. The evaluation offers recommendations to enhance both the IPC Lead role and the broader infection control capabilities of aged care organisations.  Key insights from the review emphasise the unique challenges of implementing IPC practices in the aged care sector, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches to drive effective change.

Read more about the report’s findings here: Evaluation of the IPC Lead role – Final report released – ACIPC – Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control