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Category: Managing Outbreaks

Topics

Outbreak Investigation and Management

Outbreak investigation will confirm that there is an outbreak, ensure the infecting organism is correctly diagnosed, and a case definition is established and tracked to who is infected and who is at risk. Outbreak management from the investigation will ensure correct infection control practices are in place, help with communicating...

What is an Outbreak

Outbreaks within residential aged care facilities are common and can cause considerable complications, distress, increased hospitalisations, and mortality.  An outbreak may be described as an increase in the normal or expected level of healthcare-associated infection within a residential aged care facility.  An outbreak may be defined as   An occurrence of more...

Outbreak Hospital Transfers

There may be times when the medical management of a resident requires transfer from the residential care facility to an acute care facility during an outbreak. When the transfer of a resident occurs it is essential to advise the receiving acute care facility, and the patient transport or ambulance service,...

Outbreak Equipment/Kit

Each residential aged care facility should have an outbreak kit available in preparation for and when an outbreak occurs. All relevant employees should know where the kit/equipment is stored, including after-hours employees, as an outbreak may occur at any time. If items for the kit are in more than one...

Outbreak Management Plan

Every aged care facility should have an outbreak management plan that clearly outlines what to do and who to contact in an outbreak. Residential aged care facilities may need a unique outbreak management plan due to organisational structure, environment, and legislation variations.    The Outbreak Management Plan should be Documented...

Outbreak PPE

Outbreaks require a combination of personal protective equipment (PPE) for transmission-based precautions depending on the route of transmission of the infectious agent involved.   PPE May Include   Gloves Surgical or high-filtration masks  Eyewear or face shields Waterproof aprons or long sleeve gowns PPE In Isolation Rooms  Identify correct transmission-based...