A critical review to plan the future: An infection prevention and control conference with a difference

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As the 4th International Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) Conference approaches, Paul Hodgson and Brett G Mitchell from ACIPC have joined us to discuss the program, which focuses on the future of infection prevention and control.

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The Scientific Committee headed up by Associate Professor Brett Mitchell has created a fantastic program that is sure to have something for everybody in the industry. The program created should stimulate debate, promote a critical review of existing practices and propose opportunities for discussion on the future direction of infection prevention and control. Feedback from the successful 2014 conference in Adelaide was also considered.
Besides popular topics, latest issues and trends have also been included. The program has already been described as the biggest and best yet. The final program can be viewed on the conference website at: acipcconference.com.au/program
With record number of abstracts submitted for consideration by the Conference Scientific Committee, the event has been able to host a range of high quality original research from academics and clinicians. New findings will be presented in both oral and this year there is a focus on poster presentations as a critical component of a high-quality scientific conference.
We are thrilled and privilege to have four world-renowned international speakers present in Hobart: Professor Stephan Harbarth from Geneva University Switzerland, Martin Kiernan from London, Professor Patricia Stone from Columbia University, New York and Dr David Weber from the University of North Carolina Hospitals, USA. We have no doubt these plenary sessions will be packed to the rafters with delegates based on their popularity.
Prof Stephan Harbarth heads up the Infection Control Program at Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland. Professor Harbarth was educated at Cambridge University, Massachusetts. His current studies focus on control of MRSA and multi-drug resistance. His team is also involved in conducting several clinical and epidemiological studies to evaluate key questions related to the control of the acquisition, transmission and infection by multi-drug resistant microorganisms. Professor Harbarth will be presenting on Which Established Infection Control Interventions are Supported by Evidence?, and Infection Control, What’s on the Horizon?
Martin Kiernan has worked in the field of infection prevention and control for 25 years in a variety of settings in the UK. His research interests are surveillance and urinary catheter-associated infections and his other professional interests include wound management, environmental hygiene and the adoption of a common sense, practical approach to the subject.
On the conference, Mr Kiernan comments, “I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to present at the Hobart conference. I had the pleasure of attending the Sydney meeting of the college a couple of years ago and felt that the scientific content was of the highest quality and it is a great honour to be able to contribute to this meeting."
One topic Martin is presenting at the conference relates to patient wipes.
“Wipes are having a big impact in the prevention of healthcare associated infections and I will be looking at the science behind them, highlighting key considerations when selecting the right wipe for the intended task,” he says.
Professor Stone is currently working as a visiting Professor at the University of Technology, Sydney. Professor Stone will present one plenary session on Informatics and Infection Control and one concurrent session Enhancing Organisational Culture.
Dr David Weber has a broad research range which include: the epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections, new and emerging infectious diseases. He will be presenting findings from a major research project Assessment of Strategies for Terminal Room Decontamination’ in addition evidence-based guidelines on Animal Visitation in Healthcare.
Over 40 local speakers have been confirmed from Australia and New Zealand. The diversity of location and experience of speakers is bound to provide a most comprehensive and broad program with streams to suit all delegates.
The day prior to the conference commencing will offer seven half-day workshops. These workshops will also take place at Grand Chancellor.
Workshops include:

1. 
   Hand Hygiene Australia, presented by Dr Andrew Stewardson and colleagues. A complimentary workshop which will address theoretical considerations about how to sustain gains while addressing remaining challenges, and will also provide practical frontline examples.


2. 
   Residential Aged Care, presented by Dr Noleen Bennett. This workshop is designed to support those working in or have responsibility for infection control related issues in Residential Aged Care.


3. 
   Sterilisation, presented by Terry McAuley. This workshop will provide an overview of the ‘new’ AS/NZS4187 – What do ICP’s need to be aware of?


4. 
   Credentialing, presented by Professor Ramon Shaban. This interactive and dynamic workshop presents the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control Credentialing Program.


5. 
   Aseptic Technique, presented by Sue Atkins. This workshop will provide an overview of Aseptic Technique principles in practice in addition to practical work, teaching tool; and competency and auditing to monitor outcomes.


6. 
   Common Misconceptions in Medical Statistics, presented by Associate Professor Adrian Barnett. This workshop will cover some of the basic mistakes ingrained in practice and show you simple ways to avoid these mistakes.


7. 
   Masterclass - for experienced infection control practitioners, presented by Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. The Masterclass will provide an opportunity to reflect on current and future challenges in infection prevention and control practice, and the ways in which the infection control practitioner can demonstrate how work that is undertaken in day-to-day practice can be used to effect improvement. This workshop is aimed at delegates with more than 10 years’ experience in an Infection Prevention and Control or Surveillance role within a health service organisation.

The annual International ACIPC Conference is going from strength-to-strength each year and we expect Hobart to the perfect setting for the next chapter of the regions leading infection control conference. Follow what is happening in more detail using #ACIPC2016, or follow @ACIPC and @HealthcareInfec on Twitter. We look forward to seeing you all in Hobart 22-25 November 2015 at ACIPC15.
The diversity of workshops offers something for everyone in infection control and at all levels of career.
Besides the strong scientific program the social side of the conference is always a hit. Most industries mention their delegates love a party at conference, and we attest to this with the infection control industry filling the dance floor through the first song each year. This in itself is a site!
Hobart’s Princess Wharf 1 is a beautiful old refurbished shipping shed that will host the gala dinner, where delegates will be entertain delegates well into the night with live music and a menu featuring local produce, wines, whiskeys and chocolates.
Incoming ACIPC President, Professor Ramon Shaban will host the annual President Breakfast. All delegates are welcome to attend this informal breakfast with colleagues and College Executives. It’s a different setting designed to encourage interaction between delegates, industry colleagues and College Executive.
As with any conference the participation of trade exhibitors is an integral part of the success of the event. An exhibition of 70 exhibitors will be on show for the duration of the conference. Infection control wipes, hand sanitisers, wash bays, curtains, instruments, detergents, publications and accreditation agencies are just some examples of what the trade exhibitors will show including new innovations. ACIPC is also very fortunate again to have AMCLA as our proud Platinum sponsor, the sole distributor for Clinell^® in Australasia. Rumour has it they are planning a huge stand taking up 36 square meters of exhibition space. The ACIPC is greatly appreciative of all trade involvement and encourage delegates to mingle with all exhibitors who have invested to be a part of the conference.