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

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1.1 Statement The information provided in the guideline has been developed in accordance with available details on standard and transmission-based precautions and the rapidly evolving evidence available at the time of release. The guideline will be reviewed periodically or when new and consequential evidence requires a review to be undertaken. Always consult relevant regulatory bodies and local, state, territory and national advice to comply with the best available information and response guidelines at the time of access. 1.2 Summary of Recommendations • Speech Pathology Australia advises that all speech pathologists in all settings need to undertake appropriate infection prevention and control measures to prevent and minimise the risk of infectious agent transmission • Speech pathologists should regularly review and adhere to the Speech Pathology Australia guideline, workplace policies and procedures, government guidelines, legislation and infection control services • The health and wellbeing of speech pathologists, students, clients, fellow staff and/or employees should be factored into all decision-making • Standard precautions are required for all in-person client interactions regardless of known infection status • Standard precautions aim to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission of infectious agents between speech pathologists, clients and the environment • Hand hygiene is one of the most important strategies in preventing healthcare associated infections, and it should be routinely performed before and after – use of gloves, touching a client and their surroundings, undertaking a procedure or a body substance exposure risk • Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette minimises the transmission of infectious agents via droplet and airborne routes • Speech pathologists should: o Comply with standard and transmission-based precautions and ensure the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) , including donning and doffing procedures, as per infection prevention and control policies (e.g., Speech Pathology Australia, organisation or service, and government). o Follow the cleaning requirements and spills management for each precaution type, including the clinical or practice environment, equipment, consumables, resources and materials. o Complete routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces with detergent daily (minimum) when visibly soiled and after every known suspected or confirmed contamination. o Use surface barriers to protect clinical or practice surfaces and equipment that are frequently touched, are likely to become contaminated (e.g., body substances) or are difficult to clean. o Follow the recommended reprocessing of reusable medical equipment and instruments.

o Use aseptic technique when appropriate to prevent infectious agents on hands, surfaces and equipment from being introduced to susceptible sites during aseptic procedures.

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