Cabrini Monash University Department

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

Cabrini Institute Alan Jackson Research Grants. This will allow us to undertake two exciting projects related to COVID-19. Director Philip Russo is also involved in a number of leadership roles. He is the President of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control and was recently appointed Deputy Chair of the Infection Control Expert Group to the Australian Department of Health. He is also a member of the COVID Evidence Taskforce Steering Committee, the Australian Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, the Healthcare Associated Infection Advisory Committee to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and is also a member of the Australian College of Nursing.

Our Research

The effect of COVID-19 on healthcare associated infections in a multi-campus private healthcare facility.

RESEARCHERS: RUSSO P (PI), RENTON R (CI), WANG W (CI), MITCHELL B (CI).

Preparedness and response to COVID-19 has resulted in a heightened awareness of infection prevention. An increased emphasis on infection prevention education for all healthcare workers, hand hygiene, cleaning and the use of personal protective equipment are some of the interventions that have been implemented. These fundamentals of infection prevention should also prevent all healthcare associated infections. This study will measure the impact on the infection prevention interventions implemented for COVID-19 has on other healthcare associated infections. The experience of the healthcare worker during the COVID-19 response.

RESEARCHERS: RUSSO P (PI), ILANGAKOON C (CI), RICHARDSON G (CI), BEN-MEIR M (CI).

Healthcare workers (HCW) are at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous pandemics have demonstrated that HCWs are required to respond quickly and adapt to new situations, and manage the threats posed by caring for patients with highly infectious diseases. Despite the amount of preparedness, the novelty of pandemics will present many new challenges. The aim of this study is to explore the HCWs experience during preparations and response to COVID-19, and to identify what worked well and areas that could be improved, during this unprecedented event.

Improved Detection of Infections Following Surgery for Meaningful Public Reporting.

RESEARCHER: RUSSO P

Surveillance for surgical site infections is resource intensive and consistent application of definitions is challenging. International studies have demonstrated that by applying a uniform algorithm sourcing data from microbiology, admissions, pharmacy and operating room, patients who have an infection are easier to identify. This project is exploring the use of algorithms in the Australian setting that will generate more meaningful and accurate data that could be used for public reporting.

Associate Professor Philip Russo presenting at the 2019 Peter Meese Lecture.

... 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... The department was successful in being awarded two Cabrini Institute Alan Jackson Research Grants. This will allow us to undertake two exciting projects related to COVID-19.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR PHILIP RUSSO

+$65m

IN GRANT FUNDING

50

PUBLICATIONS

55

PRESENTATIONS

7

ACTIVE CLINICAL TRIALS