The majority of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in hospitalised patients are associated with indwelling urinary catheters (IDCs). We evaluated the impact of an educational campaign on IDC care and the proportion of hospitalised patients with UTI, and demonstrated a reduction in UTIs but a non-sustainable improvement in clinical practices. Multimodal strategies to improve process can successfully reduce UTIs arising during hospitalisation, but strategies for sustainable quality improvement are required.

The incidence and virulence of nosocomial Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is increasing around the world. The knowledge of CDI prevention and management amongst healthcare workers was assessed at a tertiary institution. Knowledge deficiencies were identified and education would assist in arresting the rising impact of CDI.

Surveillance of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is aimed at improving patient safety, decreasing HAI rates, and reducing morbidity and mortality. This article reports on a survey conducted by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care during 2012–13. It describes approaches to surveillance of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) by Australian states and territories for collection, validation and reporting of SAB and CDI data; and identifies differences in practices.