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Hi Camilla,
There are no nationally standardised baseline infection rates for aged care settings in Australia currently published for UTIs, CAUTIs, respiratory infections, skin infections, and gastroenteritis. However, we can draw on the following available data sources and proxy measures for context and benchmarking:
1. NISPAC (National Infection Surveillance for Australian Residential Aged Care) Pilot
A pilot program led by the Doherty Institute and Burnet Institute for routine infection surveillance in residential aged care.
Tracks:
UTIs (with/without catheter)
Gastroenteritis
Respiratory infections
Skin and soft tissue infections
Still in progress: No national baseline published yet, but initial data are being collected for benchmarking.
Doherty Institute – NISPAC: https://www.doherty.edu.au/impact-report-2021/national-infection-surveillance-program-for-aged-care/
2. While comprehensive baselines are lacking, some studies provide point-in-time infection rates. Examples:
Mitchell et al. (2019) – Point prevalence survey in 29 Australian RACFs:
UTIs: 2.2%
Respiratory tract infections: 3.5%
Skin infections: 2.3%
Gastroenteritis: 1.3%
Mitchell, B.G., et al. (2019). Infection control and surveillance in aged care facilities: a national point prevalence study. Healthcare Infection, 24(2), 81–86. https://www.idhjournal.com.au/article/S2468-0451(16)00005-5/pdf
Hope this is of some help.
Carrie
