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

1.0

o Be aware of the appropriate management , containment and disposal of clinical and general waste. o Follow the recommended handling of clothing and linen as it poses a potential risk of transmission of infectious agents. o Implement recommended transmission-based prcaustions: contact, droplet and airborne precautions in addition to standard precautions when suspected or confirmed infectious agents are transmitted by direct or in-direct contact with clients and their environment (i.e. airborne transmission requires airborne precautions). o Consider setting and task modifications (e.g., scheduling or in-person versus telepractice delivery), to reduce transmission risks for infectious clients or during an outbreak, epidemic or pandemic. This may also apply to vulnerable clients during an outbreak, epidemic or pandemic. o Use a risk assessment framework to determine what infection prevention and control precautions are required to proceed with an assessment, intervention, procedure or service delivery. o Complete documentation to indicate modification to clinical assessments, procedures or interventions due to an infection or an outbreak, epidemic or pandemic. o Ensure students are provided access to infection prevention and control information and supervision to keep them safe. 1.3 Aim The guideline aims to prevent the transmission of infectious agents associated with speech pathology services through the implementation of infection prevention and control measures across all practice areas, contexts and sectors. 1.4 Purpose of the Guideline • Provide a background to the development of a profession-relevant guideline • Describe the key definitions and terminology relevant to infection prevention and control recommendations and procedures • Outline standard precautions for all speech pathology practice areas • Identify specific precautions, key considerations and suggested modifications that apply to speech pathologists across a range of clinical or practice contexts, procedures and service delivery settings • Assist speech pathologists in implementing the recommended guideline and task modifications for standard and transmission-based precautions • Guide a risk response to an infectious agent or an outbreak, epidemic or pandemic situation. 1.5 Infection Prevention and Control Guideline for Speech Pathologists User Guide The guideline intends to provide a basis for speech pathologists to develop detailed procedures for infection prevention and control specific to local service or sector settings. The expected audience is Speech Pathology Australia, Speech Pathology Australia members, employers and

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