A-PRECISE study

The A-PRECISE model: Building capacity to prevent and manage infections in residential aged care

The challenge

A key gap in residential aged care homes is the lack of practical, context-specific resources to support infection prevention and control (IPC). Historically, the sector has been forced to adapt IPC approaches designed for the vastly different acute hospital environment. To address this, we have developed the A-PRECISE model (Australia – PReventing infECtions In reSidential agEd care): an Australian-first infection prevention strategy co-designed with residents, family members and staff in residential aged care homes.

Our impact

Elevating the lived-experience voice: The A-PRECISE model captures the lived experience, preferences and practical knowledge of residents, families and staff to reflect the everyday realities of residential aged care.
Delivering fit-for-purpose IPC resources: The A-PRECISE model fills a long-standing gap by providing a suite of free, practical and context-specific multi-media resources tailored to residential aged care. All materials can be downloaded below.
Strengthening capability across care communities: The A-PRECISE model builds IPC confidence and capability across whole care communities by embedding infection awareness into daily conversations, relationships and routines.
Supporting alignment with sector goals: The A-PRECISE model aligns with the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and the new rights-based Aged Care Act. Guidance on how the model maps to these standards is included in the resource package.

Project leads

Development of the A-PRECISE model was co-led by Monash University’s Professor Helen Rawson and Professor Phil Russo. This project began in 2022 and was launched in Melbourne in April 2026.

Project resources & knowledge

The A-PRECISE model is an IPC strategy tailored to the residential aged care environment. It is underpinned by three foundational pillars – culture, communication, and education – and provides clear and actionable strategies for creating an environment where effective IPC practices can thrive. These messages are delivered via a suite of multi-media and educational IPC resources that include videos, posters, audio messages, interactive educational tools and an electronic infection surveillance tool.

To get started, download the A-PRECISE implementation handbook, or explore the full suite of resources using the menus below.

A collection of IPC videos tailored for residents, visitors and staff. Each video is available with or without closed captions, and includes an option to customise the introductory message and add organisational branding.
The staff-focused video is supported by companion learning tools, including a comprehensive facilitator’s guide and a full transcript, which can be translated into other languages as appropriate.
- Video resources - complete set (large download)
  - Video resources for RESIDENTS (large download)
  - Video resources for FAMILIES AND OTHER VISITORS (large download)
  - Video resources for STAFF (large download)
This resource collection includes audio messages designed for resident mealtimes, as well as telephone hold messages for visitors. All recordings feature resident voices and reinforce the importance of everyday IPC practices.
- Audio resources - complete set
  - Audio resources for RESIDENTS
  - Audio resources for FAMILIES AND OTHER VISITORS
This resource set contains ready-made posters designed for use across all audiences in residential aged care. Each poster features key IPC messages with customisable visual elements. Fully editable, co-branded templates for tailored IPC communication are also provided. A complementary photo bank allows photos to be swapped into posters and templates, helping keep messages fresh and engaging.
- Poster resources (large download)
These staff-focused educational resources are designed to build engagement, strengthen teamwork and foster a collaborative approach to IPC.
Escape room activities invite staff to work together to learn key aspects related to IPC in residential aged care homes by solving clues and progress through a series of challenges. The format encourages teamwork, problem solving, communication and active engagement with IPC concepts in a fun, immersive way.
The peer-to-peer learning guide supports educators to facilitate collaborative sessions where staff learn directly from one another. This approach deepens understanding of IPC practices through shared experience, discussion and practical insights.
- Interactive educational resources
Point prevalence surveillance is a monitoring method that captures a snapshot of the number and types of infections present in a population at a specific point in time. It involves systematically reviewing current cases to assess how widespread infections are at a given moment. The A-PRECISE model includes an e-tool for point prevalence surveillance in residential aged care.
For more information or to access a trial, education and training, contact the A-PRECISE team at a-precise@monash.edu, or on (03) 9905 6849.

A-PRECISE project participants - residents and staff at Olivet Care and The Village Baxter

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Project media, articles & conferences View

Key project information

Official name:
A-PRECISE: Implementing consumer and workforce empowerment and engagement strategies to enhance safety and quality by building capacity to prevent and manage infections in residential aged care homes.
Known as:
Building capacity to prevent and manage infections in residential aged care (A-PRECISE study)
About the research:
Our aim is to improve the care and safety of residents, staff, families, and visitors in residential aged care homes. Together with residents, families, and staff in residential aged care, we have co-designed an effective and sustainable infection prevention and control strategy and developed new tools and resources to support this.
This research followed a four-stage process, as detailed below, and the resulting resources were launched in April 2026.
- Phase 1. Conduct interviews and focus groups to understand the context, facilitators and barriers for effective infection prevention and control.
- Phase 2. Develop and test an electronic tool for monitoring infections in residential aged care homes.
- Phase 3. Develop the strategy over a series of co-design workshops.
- Phase 4. Implement the strategy and electronic tool for monitoring infections and evaluate their effectiveness and feasibility.
Project timing: 2022-2025
Chief Investigators
- Professor Helen Rawson (Monash University)
- Professor Philip Russo (Monash University)
Co-investigators
- Chris Lynch (Consumer Representative)
- Professor Gabrielle Brand (Monash University)
- Ms Samantha Dix (Monash University)
- Professor Debra Griffiths (Monash University)
- Dr Katrina Long (Monash University)
- Professor Brett Mitchell (Monash University/Avondale University)
- Professor Julia Morphet (Monash University)
- Professor Grant Russell (Monash University)
- Dr Samantha Sevenhuysen (Monash University/Peninsula Health)
- Dr Kaori Shimoniaba (Monash University)
- Associate Professor Andrew Stewardson (Monash University/Alfred Health)
- Dr Victoria Team (Monash University)
Other research team members
- Dr Karen Harris (Monash University)
- Shirley Anthony (escape room learning tools)
- Steve Wise (photography, videography and graphic design)
Residential aged care partner organisations
- Olivet Care
- The Village Baxter

For further information please contact the A-PRECISE team: a-precise@monash.edu

National Centre for Healthy Ageing

National Centre for Healthy Ageing

A-PRECISE study

The A-PRECISE model: Building capacity to prevent and manage infections in residential aged care

The challenge

Our impact

Project leads

Project resources & knowledge

Join our mailing list to stay updated on the A-PRECISE model
and hear about future opportunities to share your feedback.

Click here to join our mailing list

Project media, articles & conferences View

Key project information

A-PRECISE study

The A-PRECISE model: Building capacity to prevent and manage infections in residential aged care

The challenge

Our impact

Project leads

Launch of new infection prevention strategy and suite of free resources!

Project resources & knowledge

Join our mailing list to stay updated on the A-PRECISE model and hear about future opportunities to share your feedback.

Click here to join our mailing list

Project media, articles & conferences View

Key project information

Join our mailing list to stay updated on the A-PRECISE model
and hear about future opportunities to share your feedback.