Cabrini Monash University Department of Nursing Research
Head: Associate Professor Philip Russo As we are vividly experiencing in 2020, the threat of emerging infectious diseases presents many challenges. Together with healthcare associated infections, novel viruses such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) underline the importance of infection prevention in the provision of safe healthcare, both in the community and the healthcare setting.
Director Associate Professor Philip Russo Research Assistant Elizabeth Todio PhD Students Ali Tehrani, Monash University Angela Ballard, Monash University Pheona van Huizen, Monash University Masters of Advanced Practice Khanh Truong, Monash University Honours Shanely Miranda, Deakin University Cabrini Medical Staff Research Scholarship Carmela Cosentino, Monash University Acknowledgement of Staff who have left (2019-2020) Professor Lee Boyd, former head of Department Julia Caissutti, Research Assistant
Nurses have the highest and most intimate contact with patients, and therefore are crucial in the prevention of infection transmission. Research being conducted by the Cabrini Monash University Department of Nursing Research will help improve our understanding of infection transmission, prevention and identifying those patients who are at greater risk. The recently completed study on the prevalence of healthcare associated infections in large public hospitals will be repeated at Cabrini to identify the prevalence in the private setting. This information will assist in identifying preventative strategies in the future. The use of invasive devices will also be measured in this study, and these findings will inform value-based strategies moving forward. This work aligns well with the Cabrini Institute strategy of the use of data to inform strategy, improve patient quality and safety, and strengthen value-based care. The Nursing Research Department is excited to be undertaking two further studies relating to our current response to COVID-19. The first will be exploring the experience of healthcare workers at Cabrini during the response to COVID-19. This will help us understand what worked well at Cabrini and identify any areas where improvements could be made for preparedness for future emerging threats. Many of the infection prevention activities implemented and scaled up as part of the response are fundamental to all infection prevention. So in the second study, we are aiming to identify if these preventative activities also had an impact on other types of infection. Clearly the impact of infections on patients can be significant. A previous study informed us that consumers are interested in understanding more about the frequency of healthcare associated infections. Other work that we are currently involved in is exploring the impact of infections on consumers. This is a collaboration being undertaken with external researchers and involves speaking to patients who have acquired an infection and understanding the impact this has had on their lives.
Highlights As a fledgling research department, the Cabrini Monash University Department of Nursing Research has had a number of highlights. We are delighted to welcome an increase in staff with the appointment of a research assistant, and a new research fellow to assist with the new projects. The department was successful in being awarded two
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