Complete guide to Australian hospital infection control — healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention, NSQHS Standard 3, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), AURA programme, hand hygiene, and IPC software.
Australian HAI rate is 5-10%. NSQHS Standard 3 requires IPC programme and AMS. AURA monitors antibiotic use and resistance. Hand hygiene target is > 70%. This guide covers Australian infection control.
NSQHS Standard 3 Requirements
| Requirement | Description | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| IPC programme | Comprehensive IPC programme | Yes |
| IPC team | IPC practitioner, microbiologist | Yes |
| HAI surveillance | Track SSI, CLABSI, CAUTI, VAP, CDI | Yes |
| Hand hygiene | WHO 5 Moments, > 70% compliance | Yes |
| AMS programme | Antimicrobial stewardship | Yes |
| AURA participation | Report to AURA surveillance | Yes |
| Outbreak management | Outbreak detection and response | Yes |
| Sterilisation | CSSD standards, tracking | Yes |
| Isolation facilities | Negative pressure rooms | Yes (tertiary) |
| IPC training | Annual IPC training for all staff | Yes |
HAI Prevention Bundles
- SSI bundle: Antibiotic prophylaxis within 60 min, normothermia, glucose control, hair removal with clippers
- VAP bundle: Head elevation 30°, oral chlorhexidine, PUD prophylaxis, DVT prophylaxis, daily sedation interruption
- CLABSI bundle: Hand hygiene, max barrier, chlorhexidine prep, optimal site, daily line review
- CAUTI bundle: Avoid unnecessary catheter, aseptic insertion, closed system, daily review
- CDI bundle: Antibiotic stewardship, hand hygiene (soap + water), isolation, bleach cleaning
Hand Hygiene Compliance
| Moment | Description | Target |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Before touching a patient | > 70% |
| 2 | Before clean/aseptic procedure | > 70% |
| 3 | After body fluid exposure risk | > 70% |
| 4 | After touching a patient | > 70% |
| 5 | After touching patient surroundings | > 70% |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the HAI rate in Australian hospitals?
- Australian HAI rate: 5-10% of hospitalised patients (HAIs). Common HAIs: SSI, VAP, CLABSI, CAUTI, CDI. Each HAI adds 4-8 days to LOS and costs AUD $5,000-10,000. ACSQHC monitors HAI rates nationally. Hand hygiene compliance target is > 70% (HHACS audit). NSQHS Standard 3 requires HAI surveillance and prevention.
- What is AURA?
- AURA (Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australia) is the national surveillance system managed by ACSQHC. AURA monitors: 1) Antibiotic prescribing rates, 2. Antimicrobial resistance patterns, 3. Multi-resistant organisms (MROs), 4. Hospital antibiotic use. AURA publishes annual reports. Australian hospitals must participate in AURA surveillance (NSQHS Standard 3).
- What is the hand hygiene compliance target in Australia?
- Australian hand hygiene compliance target is > 70% (HHACS — Hand Hygiene Australia Compliance System). The 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene are audited 3 times per year. Results are reported to ACSQHC. Non-compliance is a NSQHS Standard 3 issue. Many hospitals aim for > 80% compliance. Hand hygiene is the single most effective HAI prevention measure.