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

1.0 Introduction

Infection prevention and control principles are fundamental to control and prevent the transmission of an infectious agent such as communicable diseases, transmissible infections and multi-resistant organisms (MROs). To deliver high-quality client care, protect speech pathologists and safeguard the work environment, speech pathologists should establish an informed and considered response to infection prevention and control. Speech pathologists engage with a broad and diverse range of the population across a number of settings to assess and manage individuals with swallowing and communication difficulties. Speech pathologists work: • With infants, children, adolescents, adults, the elderly and their families and carers • With other professions including allied health practitioners, doctors, educators, home care workers, nurses, pharmacists and support staff (e.g., allied health assistants) • In a number of settings including, aged care facilities, allied health clinics, community health and rehabilitation, corporate organisations, correctional institutions (e.g., juvenile justice facilities), disability services, early intervention, childcare, community, schools, hospitals (intensive care units, acute, sub-acute and rehabilitation), in-home, mental health, private practice, supported employment and universities • Across various settings including metropolitan, regional, rural and remote locations across Australia. • Facilitation of speech pathology students during clinical placements. The provision of a service by a speech pathologist typically involves close proximity and contact with clients, oral and nasopharyngeal anatomy (i.e. mucosal membrane), exposure to secretions (e.g., saliva, sputum, respiratory droplets), and their assistive technology, equipment or devices. Routine and risk-based infection prevention and control measures are imperative to prevent and reduce the transmission of communicable diseases, transmissible infections and MROs. Speech pathologists work across a range of low to high-risk areas and make a valuable contribution to supporting the health and wellbeing of the community. The guideline is designed to guide speech pathology practice in implementing standardised infection control protocols within usual service delivery at all times. Adequate consideration must be given to the implementation of appropriate infection prevention and control at all times to ensure the safe delivery of client care protection of speech pathologists, the working environment and equipment used. Additionally, the document seeks to provide frameworks and guidance for additional and transmission based precautions needed to be adopted during outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics. Always consult specific advice in the case of a new infectious agent and during outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics to maintain a safe work environment and ensure the continuity of speech pathology practice. Understanding infectious agents such as communicable diseases, MROs and transmissible infections Communicable diseases Communicable diseases are infectious diseases that can transmission from person to person. Examples, influenza, Norovirus, COVID-19, Scabies. MROs MROs are microorganisms that are resistant to multiple antimicrobial classes. Examples: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), carbapenemase producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida auris. Transmissible infections Are infections that can be transmission from person to person. Examples: Impetigo (school sores)

(Head lice are considered an infestation [not an infection] and can be transmitted from person to person.)

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