The burden of infectious diseases in Western Australian residential aged care facilities: a population-based record linkage study

Infection is a common reason for patient transfers from RACFs to hospital. Workforce profile is the most likely explanation for the increased risk of infections (excluding septicaemia) in residents assessed as low-care. Efforts to reduce hospital transfers from Australian RACFs should focus on developing Australian practice guidelines and improving the availability of skilled clinical staff to support practice in low-care facilities.