Healthcare facilities (HCF) may be visited by assistance, therapeutic and companion animals and these animals may pose a risk of pathogen transmission via direct and indirect contact with patients and staff. However, there is limited evidence to quantify the risk that animals in HCF pose to patients and staff. Due to the uncertainties around the health risks of animal visitations to HCF, ACIPC recommends that all HCF and organisations develop policies and procedures that address risks among their own specific facility’s patient populations.
ACIPC Recommends
- All healthcare facilities (HCF) should develop a policy for assistance animals that complies with Commonwealth, State and local council legislation.
- The facility infection control professional is notified when a patient is admitted with an accredited assistance animal to establish any specific requirements.
- All HCF with animal assisted therapy programs and animal assisted activities should develop a policy which, in addition to compliance with State and local council legislation, should include types of animals allowed for these activities, certification of animals and their trainers/handlers, education of HCF staff, and education of animal trainers/handlers regarding organisational policies and procedures, animal hygiene, patient hygiene, and animal access.
- All HCF that have facility pet/s should develop a policy that complies with Commonwealth, State and local council legislation.
- All HCF facilities should develop a policy on personal pet visitations.
- The facility infection control professional is notified of all proposed animal visitations, assisted animal interventions or introduction of a facility pet to establish any specific requirements.
- All animals visiting or permanently residing in HCF are screened for parasites, and skin problems and are fully vaccinated (a veterinary immunisation certificate should be provided).
- All animals are restricted from entering operating theatres, sterilising departments, intensive care areas and food preparation areas. Animal access for isolated patients and immuno-suppressed patients is negotiated based on individual patient/client requirements.
- All patients, healthcare workers, volunteers and visitors who have contact with an animal must perform hand hygiene either with soap and water or, an alcohol-based handrub.