Preventing infections in aged care settings: a statewide approach in South Australia.

• Jurisdiction: Australia
• Date: 01 March 2013
• Author: Hunt, Christine

It is well recognised that older people are more susceptible to certain infections, and can be particularly vulnerable to complications arising from those infections, such as influenza and gastroenteritis.

When older Australians require nursing intervention their risk of acquiring an infection must be considered, regardless of the setting in which care is provided.

Whilst Australia has excellent national and state based infection control guidance tools to inform staff practice in acute health care settings, it is often inappropriate to apply hospital infection control guidelines in non-acute settings. Infection prevention and control in non-acute settings, such as residential aged care, community clinics, or in prison health often require a different approach to those used in the acute hospital setting. Acute care guidelines will often recommend a risk management...