COMMUNICABLE DISEASE OUTBREAK MANAGEMENT IN RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES – IDENTIFYING PREVENTION AND RESPONSE STRATEGIES

Objective To identify the outbreak prevention and response preparedness of residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in the Hunter New England area of New South Wales (NSW), and to explore opportunities for public health nurses to work with RACFs to reduce the occurrence and impact of gastrointestinal and respiratory outbreaks amongst residents and staff. Methods Twenty randomly selected RACFs of 131 RACFs in the District were invited to participate in a telephone survey. The survey explored issues relating to facility staffing and number of residents, influenza vaccination rates of staff and residents, current outbreak surveillance, knowledge of resources and outbreak management protocols. Results More than 85% of residents across the 20 facilities were vaccinated against influenza in 2013. Staff influenza vaccination rates varied from less than 50% in six facilities to greater than 80% in nine facilities. All RACFs reported having hand washing facilities at the entrance for visitor use and provided signage to discourage ill visitors from visiting. Outbreak management plans were available in 90% (18/20) of facilities; however only 25% (5/20) of facilities reported having an outbreak surveillance system in place. Conclusion RACFs in this sample had varied levels of outbreak prevention and preparedness strategies in place despite ongoing public health interventions over several years including: verbal telephone advice; monthly e-mailed reports; and access to national guidelines through the Hunter New England Population Health website. RACF accreditation and nursing standards need to include outbreak prevention, preparedness and management systems to ensure adequate strategies are in place to protect vulnerable residents.