Healthcare assistants’ role in preventing healthcare-associated infections: Human factors approach to environmental cleaning gaps 2
| Friday, August 28, 2026 |
| 9:40 AM - 10:10 AM |
| Tāwhirimātea 1 |
Overview
Ann Whitfield
Speaker
Noor Syed
Chief Technology Officer
Microsoft
AI in Infection Prevention and Control
Abstract
What works now; what it costs; where to start
AI does not replace IPC expertise. It changes where your day goes
AI does not replace IPC expertise. It changes where your day goes
Biography
Noor is of Pakistani origin, grew up in Dubai, and has been in New Zealand for the last 10 years. She currently serves as a Chief Technology Officer for Health in New Zealand at Microsoft. With deep expertise in health systems and a strong background as an architect and transformation leader, Noor has led initiatives that leverage technology to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
In addition to her professional role, Noor leads work at Microsoft and in her community to support LGBTQIA+ and Asian communities and families, as well as mentoring young women in tech. At the core of her values, Noor believes in empowering others and fostering the inherent leadership within everyone, recognizing the importance of an anchored sense of identity. Coming from a truly diverse background herself, she is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in every aspect of life.
Mrs Ann Whitfield
Clinical Nurse Consultant Infection Prevention & Control
Te Whatu Ora
Healthcare Assistants’ Role in Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections: A Human Factors Approach to Environmental Cleaning Gaps
Abstract
Rationale:
Environmental hygiene is a critical component of preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), with contaminated environments and equipment contributing to pathogen transmission. Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) are central to cleaning practices. However, their role is often under-defined within complex healthcare systems. Using a Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) framework, this study examined how work system factors influence HCA cleaning practices and HAI risk.
Methodology:
A mixed-methods service evaluation was undertaken in a New Zealand hospital. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) environmental audit data were analysed across 15 cleaning elements. A gap analysis was conducted using the SEIPS model to assess interactions between people (HCAs), tasks (cleaning processes), tools and technologies (cleaning products), environment (clinical settings), and organisational factors (policies, training, and governance). Document review and stakeholder engagement explored role clarity, training provision, and understanding of infection risks. Findings informed a targeted improvement programme, including a consolidated “Cleaning Best Practice” guideline, education resources, and system-level role clarification.
Significant Results:
Baseline audit compliance was low, with variability in practice and uncertainty regarding cleaning responsibilities. HCAs reported limited formal IPC training and low awareness of the impact of environmental hygiene on HAIs. SEIPS analysis identified key system barriers, including unclear role boundaries, competing workflow demands, and limited access to structured education. Following implementation of targeted interventions, compliance improved to over 40% areas assessed over seven months, with increased role clarity and engagement in cleaning practices.
Conclusions:
HCA cleaning practices are shaped by interacting system factors rather than individual performance alone. Applying a human factors approach enabled identification of latent system weaknesses and supported sustainable improvements in environmental hygiene.
Recommendations:
Healthcare organisations should adopt human factors frameworks such as SEIPS to design IPC interventions, ensuring clear role definition, accessible training, and alignment between workflow, resources, and organisational priorities to reduce HAI risk.
Environmental hygiene is a critical component of preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), with contaminated environments and equipment contributing to pathogen transmission. Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) are central to cleaning practices. However, their role is often under-defined within complex healthcare systems. Using a Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) framework, this study examined how work system factors influence HCA cleaning practices and HAI risk.
Methodology:
A mixed-methods service evaluation was undertaken in a New Zealand hospital. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) environmental audit data were analysed across 15 cleaning elements. A gap analysis was conducted using the SEIPS model to assess interactions between people (HCAs), tasks (cleaning processes), tools and technologies (cleaning products), environment (clinical settings), and organisational factors (policies, training, and governance). Document review and stakeholder engagement explored role clarity, training provision, and understanding of infection risks. Findings informed a targeted improvement programme, including a consolidated “Cleaning Best Practice” guideline, education resources, and system-level role clarification.
Significant Results:
Baseline audit compliance was low, with variability in practice and uncertainty regarding cleaning responsibilities. HCAs reported limited formal IPC training and low awareness of the impact of environmental hygiene on HAIs. SEIPS analysis identified key system barriers, including unclear role boundaries, competing workflow demands, and limited access to structured education. Following implementation of targeted interventions, compliance improved to over 40% areas assessed over seven months, with increased role clarity and engagement in cleaning practices.
Conclusions:
HCA cleaning practices are shaped by interacting system factors rather than individual performance alone. Applying a human factors approach enabled identification of latent system weaknesses and supported sustainable improvements in environmental hygiene.
Recommendations:
Healthcare organisations should adopt human factors frameworks such as SEIPS to design IPC interventions, ensuring clear role definition, accessible training, and alignment between workflow, resources, and organisational priorities to reduce HAI risk.
Biography
Ann Whitfield is a Registered Nurse with 30 years’ experience, including 20 plus years in senior IPC leadership. She is IPC Lead at a New Zealand tertiary hospital and an ACIPC Board Director and Fellow. Her work spans national programmes, governance, and system improvement. She is completing a Master’s in Human Factors and Patient Safety.
