Publication Date
2015
Publication Details
Mitchell, B. G, Hall, L., MacBeth, D., Gardner, A. & Halton, K. (2015). Hospital infection control units: Staffing, costs, and priorities [accepted manuscript]. American Journal of Infection Control,43(6), 612-616. United States of America: Mosby Inc.. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2015.02.016
Abstract
Background
This article describes infection prevention and control professionals' (ICPs') staffing levels, patient outcomes, and costs associated with the provision of infection prevention and control services in Australian hospitals. A secondary objective was to determine the priorities for infection control units.
Methods
A cross sectional study design was used. Infection control units in Australian public and private hospitals completed a web-based anonymous survey. Data collected included details about the respondent; hospital demographics; details and services of the infection control unit; and a description of infection prevention and control related outputs, patient outcomes and infection control priorities.
Results
Forty-nine surveys were undertaken, accounting for 152 Australian hospitals. The mean number of ICPs was 0.66 per 100 overnight beds (95% CI 0.55-.0.77). Privately funded hospitals have significantly fewer ICPs per 100 overnight beds, compared to publicly funded hospitals (P < .01). Staffing costs for nursing staff in infection control units in this study totaled $16,364,392 (mean, $380,566). Infection control units managing smaller hospitals (<270 beds) identified the need for increased access to infectious diseases or microbiology support.
Conclusion
This study provides valuable information to support future decisions by funders, hospital administrators and ICPs on service delivery models for infection prevention and control. Further, it is the first to provide estimates of the resourcing and cost of staffing infection control in hospitals at a national level.
School/Institute
School of Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedicine
Document Type
Open Access Journal Article
Access Rights
Open Access