PAEDIATRIC CONSUMERS' PERSPECTIVES ON INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL AND ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP.

Abstract

Background: Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) are essential components of safe, high-quality hospital care. While clinicians lead these practices, the perspectives of paediatric healthcare consumers, including parents and children receiving care, are less frequently explored. Engaging consumers is recognised as a key strategy in national efforts to improve antimicrobial use and reduce antimicrobial resistance. This study examined how parents and children understand and participate in IPC and AMS in acute care. Method(s): A qualitative exploratory descriptive study was conducted with 26 paediatric healthcare consumers recruited from adolescent, oncology and surgical wards in an Australian tertiary paediatric hospital. Participants included 24 parents and two hospitalised children. Result(s): Thematic and content analysis derived four themes from the data. (1) Perceived vulnerability to hospital-acquired infection was a common concern, particularly in shared rooms and emergency departments. (2) Parental advocacy in Infection Prevention and Control was evident, with parents often raising concerns or asking questions to reduce risk, though some were unsure how their input would be received. (3) Communication and confidence in care were closely linked. Clear, consistent information supported involvement, while limited communication led to confusion. (4) Hypervigilance in the post-COVID context shaped families' attentiveness to hygiene and infection prevention expectations. Conclusion(s): This study highlights the important role of parents and children in IPC and AMS in acute care. Supporting their involvement through clear communication, recognition of advocacy, and awareness of ongoing post- COVID concerns can enhance infection prevention efforts and promote more effective antimicrobial use. Infection, Disease and Health (2025) 30 S1-S39 / Abstracts S31.