Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead roles were introduced into residential aged care (RAC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. With additional foundation training and a broad role definition, IPC Leads continue to work in challenging RAC environments with limited ongoing support or training. These varied roles deal with a wide and complex range of IPC practices. Our project works with IPC Leads to facilitate IPC practice improvement. A Community of Practice (CoP) is one strategy to achieve this.
Using a co-design approach, informed by our systematic review, research evidence and implementation science theory, we have worked with IPC Leads from ten RAC facilities and the input of key stakeholders to develop an IPC Lead (CoP).
Findings indicate that a CoP approach is acceptable to participants/informants, and offers key potential strengths including: peer support, resource sharing, opportunities for problem solving and sharing best practice approaches, improved access to evidence and reduction in professional isolation and turnover. Key challenges include: time to participate, logistics and effective facilitation. Overall, a CoP offers a mechanism for exchanging fresh ideas and building new connections with those who share a common purpose and domain of interest.
This presentation will provide a brief overview of project methods, describe the key features of the IPC Leads CoP and the participant experience of the first six months. It will be valuable for those interested in aged care workforce issues, staff learning and peer support, implementation science and evidence informed practice improvement.