In order to effectively prevent infection, and the development of resistant bacteria, infection control and antibiotic stewardship programs need to expand outside of hospitals. In prisons, infection control standards for regulated and safer tattooing practices could prevent infections, while in residential aged care a nurse-led program can result in a significant reduction in antibiotic prescribing. In order to comply with national standards, there is an ever-expanding scope of work for infection control practitioners that will require an increase in resources to successfully achieve.

Describing the methods and results of a province-wide focus group project, the report revealed the participants’ perceptions of antimicrobial stewardship and formulary policies. Participants discussed the antimicrobial resources, influences, barriers, team approach, communication and educational needs, antimicrobial utilisation concerns, and enablers. This is the first qualitative analysis to target pharmacy services staff across a large organisation.

This study examined if ATP bioluminescence assay could be used to evaluate biological indicators to confirm decontamination following vaporised hydrogen peroxide decontamination. A reduction in microorganisms was shown for culture-based methods, but ATP bioluminescence assay did not show a reduction. The ATP bioluminescence assay is not an effective alternate to culture-based methodologies for the confirmation of VHP decontamination.

The inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community is an important contributor towards antibiotic resistance globally. This study identified misperceptions about antibiotic use in Australian Chinese migrants which significantly increased the risk of self-medication with antibiotics. It is of public health significance that health professionals are aware of the practice of self-medication and associated attitudes and perceptions about antibiotic use in this growing population.

This report outlines the illicit use of hearing aid batteries as a power source for illicit prison tattooing. We advocate for the introduction of regulated tattoo parlours in prisons so as to minimise the risks of conflating important health interventions with risk activities and minimising the risks of bacterial or viral transmission.