Infection prevention and control: Guideline for speech pathologists, Version 1,2020.

4.0 Infection Prevention and Control Framework: Overview

The evidence and frameworks contained in The Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (referred to as NHMRC Guidelines in the current guideline) 9 provide the foundation for the speech pathology infection prevention and control guideline. The Speech Pathology Australia guideline does not exhaustively detail all aspects of infection prevention and control. For more information, access the NHMRC Guidelines (https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-guidelines-prevention-and-control- infection-healthcare-2019), 9 Safe Work Australia Guidelines (e.g., biohazards) (https://www. safeworkaustralia.gov.au/) 13 and relevant Australia and New Zealand Standards (e.g., AS/NZ Standards) (https://www.standards.org.au/). 14 Speech Pathology Australia does not legally mandate adherence to the guideline. Speech pathologists must use their judgement to inform the appropriate implementation and management of infection prevention and control principles, in accordance with any workplace, regulatory or governing body requirements including Speech Pathology Australia Clinical Guidelines , Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and the Speech Pathology Australia National Code of Conduct. The guideline should be used to inform planning, practice and service delivery within the context of infection prevention and control whilst referring to the best available evidence from Speech Pathology Australia, workplace organisations and services, governing bodies and government information. During unprecedented events, information and recommendations may vary in response to factors such as geographical location, rates of community transmission, vulnerability of the community, sector and client considerations. Speech pathologists should also consider a risk assessment framework to support their decision making regarding the provision of services, particularly at the time of an outbreak, epidemic or pandemic. Examples of such risk assessment tools developed for speech pathology practice during the COVID-19 pandemic include the Speech Pathology Australia Risk Assessment Tool (COVID-19) [SPA- RAT (COVID-19)], 15 The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) Restoring service: Framework to support decision making , 16 and RCSLT guidance on reducing the risk of transmission and use of PPE. 17 Conducting an infection prevention and control risk review can assist in applying suitable modifications to each practice setting (see Appendix A). It is important to note that the guideline does not include information or replace legislation, requirements and standards related to: • Australian Register for Therapeutic Goods manufacturers recommendations for reporcessing of equipment and reusabele medical devinces ( Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 ) • Food safety and services ( Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 ) • Laundry services ( AS/NZS: 4146: 2000 Laundry Practice ) • Practice design ( Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFG) • Waste management and disposal ( AS3816:2018 Management of clinical and related waste ) • Workplace Health and Safety ( Work Health and Safety Act 2011 ) • Reprocessing of reusable medical equipment ( AS/NZS4187:2014 Reprocessing of reusable medical devices in health service organisations ). Early recognition of infectious agents and prompt implementation of appropriate infection prevention and control precautions is critical for minimising and preventing the transmission of infection.

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Infection Prevention and Control - Guideline for Speech Pathologists | Version 1, 2020