scholarly journals Aggressive Colonization Screening and Infection Control Measures in Containment of NDM-5 Carbapenemase-Producing CRE

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s458-s459
Author(s):  
Ishrat Kamal-Ahmed ◽  
Kate Tyner ◽  
Teresa Fitzgerald ◽  
Heather Adele Moulton-Meissner ◽  
Gillian McAllister ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Clinical Culture ◽  
Medical Histories ◽  
Asymptomatic Case

Background: In April 2019, Nebraska Public Health Laboratory identified an NDM-producing Enterobacter cloacae from a urine sample from a rehabilitation inpatient who had recently received care in a specialized unit (unit A) of an acute-care hospital (ACH-A). After additional infections occurred at ACH-A, we conducted a public health investigation to contain spread. Methods: A case was defined as isolation of NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) from a patient with history of admission to ACH-A in 2019. We conducted clinical culture surveillance, and we offered colonization screening for carbapenemase-producing organisms to all patients admitted to unit A since February 2019. We assessed healthcare facility infection control practices in ACH-A and epidemiologically linked facilities by visits from the ICAP (Infection Control Assessment and Promotion) Program. The recent medical histories of case patients were reviewed. Isolates were evaluated by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Results: Through June 2019, 7 cases were identified from 6 case patients: 4 from clinical cultures and 3 from 258 colonization screens including 1 prior unit A patient detected as an outpatient (Fig. 1). Organisms isolated were Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 5), E. cloacae (n = 1), and Citrobacter freundii (n = 1); 1 patient had both NDM-producing K. pneumoniae and C. freundii. Also, 5 case patients had overlapping stays in unit A during February–May 2019 (Fig. 2); common exposures in unit A included rooms in close proximity, inhabiting the same room at different times and shared caregivers. One case-patient was not admitted to unit A but shared caregivers, equipment, and devices (including a colonoscope) with other case patients while admitted to other ACH-A units. No case patients reported travel outside the United States. Screening at epidemiologically linked facilities and clinical culture surveillance showed no evidence of transmission beyond ACH-A. Infection control assessments at ACH-A revealed deficiencies in hand hygiene, contact precautions adherence, and incomplete cleaning of shared equipment within and used to transport to/from a treatment room in unit A. Following implementation of recommended infection control interventions, no further cases were identified. Finally, 5 K. pneumoniae of ST-273 were related by WGS including carriage of NDM-5 and IncX3 plasmid supporting transmission of this strain. Further analysis is required to relate IncX3 plasmid carriage and potential transmission to other organisms and sequence types identified in this study. Conclusions: We identified a multiorganism outbreak of NDM-5–producing CRE in an ACH specialty care unit. Transmission was controlled through improved infection control practices and extensive colonization screening to identify asymptomatic case-patients. Multiple species with NDM-5 were identified, highlighting the potential role of genotype-based surveillance.Funding: NoneDisclosures: Muhammad Salman Ashraf reports that he is the principal investigator for a study funded by an investigator-initiated research grant.

scholarly journals 1194. Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Kentucky: Initial 6 Months of Mechanism Testing

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S361-S361
Author(s):  
Kevin Spicer ◽  
Katelyn Cox ◽  
Rachel Zinner ◽  
Andrea Flinchum
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae

Abstract Background A global rise in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has been noted over the past two decades. State and local data on CRE are necessary to better inform public health interventions. Methods Reporting of CRE (i.e., Enterobacteriaceae resistant to any carbapenem or shown to produce a carbapenemase) was mandated in Kentucky in 2015. Voluntary submission of isolates to the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network regional laboratory for carbapenemase testing began September 2017. Demographic data collected as part of reporting included age, sex, county of residence, and inpatient/outpatient status. Descriptive and chi-square analyses were performed. Results Between September 1, 2017 and February 28, 2018, 149 CRE were reported to the Kentucky Department for Public Health. Testing for presence of a carbapenemase was performed on 115 isolates (77.2%); 44 (38.3%) were carbapenemase producing (CP)-CRE and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) was identified from 38 (86.4%). Also identified were Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM; 5, 11.4%) and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM; 1, 2.3%). Identification of carbapenemase varied among genera: Citrobacter (3/4, 75%), Klebsiella (21/40, 52.5%), Serratia (2/5, 40%), Escherichia (6/20, 30%), Enterobacter (11/41, 26.8%), Proteus (0/4, 0%), other genera (1/2, 50%). CRE isolates from urban or suburban areas were more likely CP-CRE than were those from rural areas (30/65, 46.2% vs. 14/50, 28%, P = 0.047). Carbapenemase was identified more often among CRE isolates from currently hospitalized patients than from patients whose cultures were collected outside of an acute care hospital (37/70, 52.8% vs. 7/45, 15.6%; P < 0.001). Conclusion The percentage of CRE that were CP-CRE in Kentucky was comparable with that reported for the United States (38 vs. 32%). Klebsiella spp., the genera historically associated with CP-CRE, made up less than half of CP-CRE. CP isolates were identified from urban, suburban, and rural settings and more frequently from isolates collected in hospitals compared with the community. The additional epidemiology obtained as part of this reporting system has identified metropolitan areas of the state as targets for CRE prevention efforts. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals 2852. Epidemiology of Emerging Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms (CPO) in Chicago, Illinois, 2013–2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S73-S74
Author(s):  
Massimo Pacilli ◽  
Hira Adil ◽  
Kelly Walblay ◽  
Shannon N Xydis ◽  
Whitney Clegg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
The United States ◽  
Resistant Organism ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae Carbapenemase ◽  
Chicago Area

Abstract Background Emerging CPO in the Chicago area poses clinical and infection control challenges across the spectrum of care. Since November 2013, CPO are reportable to the Illinois’ Extensively Drug-resistant Organism (XDRO) registry. We examined trends in mechanism of resistance (MOR) among CPO reported through December 2018. Methods MOR reported into the XDRO registry were identified by clinical laboratories performing molecular methods on routine clinical cultures, by public health laboratories during point prevalence surveys (PPS) in response to clusters and as part of a project to assess CPO prevalence in high-risk Chicago area healthcare settings. Chicago patients with known MOR other than Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) are investigated by Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) to implement containment strategies and identify risk factors within 6 months of culture date. Results MOR was identified in 40% (1,216/3,587) of CPO-positive specimens collected from unique Chicago patients; 87% were KPC, 7% New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM), 5% Verona integron-mediated metallo-β-lactamase (VIM), 0.6% OXA-48-type carbapenemases, and 0.01% Imipenemase metallo-β-lactamase (IMP) (figure). Since 2017, 15 patients with CPO expressed more than one MOR; 14 were identified during PPS at ventilator capable skilled nursing facilities (vSNF) or long-term acute care hospitals (LTACH), and one was hospitalized in India. Among 156 patients with non-KPC CPO, the median age was 64 years (range, 20–97), 107 (69%) were identified from rectal screening and 49 (31%) were from clinical specimens, most of which were urine 23 (47%) or blood 6 (12%). Among 134 patients with risk factor history, 64% had history of tracheostomy (Table 1). Among 113 patients without documented travel outside of the United States, all stayed overnight at an Illinois healthcare facility; 62% stayed in a vSNF and 24% in an LTACH within 6 months of identification (Table 2). Conclusion We have increasingly detected non-KPC CPO in Chicago; however, estimates of prevalence are limited by lack of systematic surveillance and molecular testing. The high proportion of CPO patients without travel who stayed in vSNF or LTACH underscores the need for infection control training and surveillance in these settings. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

scholarly journals Multifacility Outbreak of NDM/OXA-23–Producing Acinetobacter baumannii in California, 2020–2021

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s79-s79
Author(s):  
Diana Holden ◽  
Tisha Mitsunaga ◽  
Denise Sanford ◽  
Tanya Fryer ◽  
June Nash ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
The United States ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Healthcare Network

Background: NDM/OXA-23 carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii isolates have been reported worldwide, but rarely in the United States. A California acute-care hospital (ACH) A identified 3 patients with pan-nonsusceptible A. baumannii during May–June 2020, prompting a public health investigation to prevent further transmission among the regional healthcare network. Methods: A clinical isolate was defined as NDM/OXA-23–producing A. baumannii from a patient at ACH A or B, or an epidemiologically linked patient identified through colonization screening during May 2020–January 2021. ACHs A and B are sentinel sites for carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii surveillance through the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (AR Lab Network), where isolates are tested for carbapenemase genes. The California Department of Public Health with 3 local health departments conducted an epidemiological investigation, contact tracing, colonization screening, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Results: In total, 11 cases were identified during May 2020–January 2021, including 3 cases at ACH A during May–June 2020, and 8 additional cases during November 2020–January 2021: 5 at ACH A, 1 at ACH B, and 2 at skilled nursing facility (SNF) A. Isolates from ACHs A and B were identified through testing at the AR Lab Network. Of the 11 patients (including the index patient), 4 had exposure at SNF A, where 2 cases were identified through colonization screening. Screening conducted at ACH A and 5 other long-term care facilities (LTCFs) identified no additional cases. WGS results for the first 8 cases identified showed 2–13 single-nucleotide polymorphism differences. Antibiotic resistance genes for all isolates sequenced included NDM-1 and OXA-23. On-site assessments related to a COVID-19 outbreak conducted at ACH A identified infection control gaps. Conclusions: Hospital participation in public health laboratory surveillance allows early detection of novel multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), which enabled outbreak identification and public health response. A high COVID-19 burden and related changes in infection control practices have been associated with MDRO transmission elsewhere in California. This factor might have contributed to spread at ACH A and hampered earlier screening efforts at SNF A, likely leading to undetected transmission. Extensive movement of positive patients among a regional healthcare network including at least 6 ACHs and 7 LTCFs likely contributed to the prolonged duration of this outbreak. This investigation highlights the importance of enhanced novel MDRO surveillance strategies coupled with strong infection prevention and control practices as important factors in identifying outbreaks and preventing further transmission in regional networks.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

scholarly journals 1268. Transmissibility of Candida auris by Type of Inpatient Healthcare Facility

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S386-S387
Author(s):  
Prabasaj Paul ◽  
Kaitlin Forsberg ◽  
Snigdha Vallabhaneni ◽  
Shawn R Lockhart ◽  
Anastasia P Litvintseva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Care ◽  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Candida Auris ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Colonization Pressure ◽  
Facility Type

Abstract Background Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant yeast causing outbreaks in healthcare settings. Stopping the spread of C. auris requires rapid identification of healthcare facilities at risk of higher transmission to help targeted implementation of infection control measures. We used data collected during public health investigations to quantify transmissibility of C. auris by type of healthcare facility. Methods In two states, 3,159 patient swabs were collected during 96 C. auris point prevalence surveys conducted at 36 inpatient healthcare facilities in November 2016 and April 2018. We estimated facility transmissibility and facility reproduction number (number infected by one index colonized patient per day, and per stay, respectively, at the facility) of C. auris based on estimated colonization pressure, a count of newly colonized patients between successive surveys at the same facility, and mean lengths of stay at facilities (estimated from CMS administrative data). The results were summarized by facility type: acute care hospital (ACH), long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) or ventilator unit at skilled nursing facility (VSNF), and were compared with previous estimates for transmissibility of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Results Swabs were collected from 13 ACHs, 12 LTACHs, and 11 VSNFs. The C. auris facility reproduction number may exceed the critical value of 1 in both ACHs and VSNFs, and may exceed that for CRE in ACHs (table). Conclusion Transmissibility of C. auris is comparable to that of CRE. The transmissibility within VSNFs emphasizes their potential role as amplifiers in the outbreak. Understanding transmissibility by facility type helps evaluate the potential impact of interventions in various settings. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Verona Integron-Encoded Metallo-Beta-Lactamase (VIM)–Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Outbreak Associated with Acute Care

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s26-s26
Author(s):  
Allison Chan ◽  
Alicia Shugart ◽  
Albert Burks ◽  
Christina Moore ◽  
Paige Gable ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Public Health Laboratory ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Contact Precautions ◽  
Hygiene Measures

Background: Contaminated healthcare facility plumbing is increasingly recognized as a source of carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs). In August 2019, the Tennessee State Public Health Laboratory identified Tennessee’s twelfth VIM-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-CRPA), from a patient in a long-term acute-care hospital. To determine a potential reservoir, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) reviewed healthcare exposures for all cases. Four cases (33%), including the most recent case and earliest from March 2018, had a history of admission to intensive care unit (ICU) room X at acute-care hospital A (ACH A), but the specimens were collected at other facilities. The Public Health Laboratory collaborated with ACH A to assess exposures, perform environmental sampling, and implement control measures. Methods: TDH conducted in-person infection prevention assessments with ACH A, including a review of the water management program. Initial recommendations included placing all patients admitted to room X on contact precautions, screening for CPO on room discharge, daily sink basin and counter cleaning, and other sink hygiene measures. TDH collected environmental and water samples from 5 ICU sinks (ie, the handwashing and bathroom sinks in room X and neighboring room Y [control] and 1 hallway sink) and assessed the presence of VIM-CRPA. Moreover, 5 patients and 4 environmental VIM-CRPA underwent whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Results: From February to June 2020, of 21 patients admitted to room X, 9 (43%) underwent discharge screening and 4 (44%) were colonized with VIM-CRPA. Average room X length of stay was longer for colonized patients (11.3 vs 4.8 days). Drain swabs from room X’s bathroom and handwashing sinks grew VIM-CRPA; VIM-CRPA was not detected in tap water or other swab samples. VIM-CRPA from the environment and patients were sequence type 253 and varied by 0–13 single-nucleotide variants. ACH A replaced room X’s sinks and external plumbing in July. Discharge screening and contact precautions for all patients were discontinued in November, 5 months following the last case and 12 consecutive negative patient discharge screens. Improved sink hygiene and mechanism testing for CRPA from clinical cultures continued, with no new cases identified. Conclusions: An ICU room with a persistently contaminated sink drain was a persistent reservoir of VIM-CRPA. The room X attack rate was high, with VIM-CRPA acquisition occurring in >40% of patients screened. The use of contaminated plumbing fixtures in ACH have the potential to facilitate transmission to patients but may be challenging to identify and remediate. All healthcare facilities should follow sink hygiene best practices.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Timing and Route of Contamination of Patient Rooms With Healthcare-Associated Pathogens

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s412-s412
Author(s):  
Sarah Redmond ◽  
Jennifer Cadnum ◽  
Basya Pearlmutter ◽  
Natalia Pinto Herrera ◽  
Curtis Donskey
Keyword(s):  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Spa Typing ◽  
Persistent Problem ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Background: Transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a persistent problem in healthcare facilities despite current control measures. A better understanding of the routes of pathogen transmission is needed to develop effective control measures. Methods: We conducted an observational cohort study in an acute-care hospital to identify the timing and route of transfer of pathogens to rooms of newly admitted patients with negative MRSA nares results and no known carriage of other healthcare-associated pathogens. Rooms were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to patient admission. Interactions of patients with personnel and portable equipment were observed, and serial cultures for pathogens were collected from the skin of patients and from surfaces, including those observed to come in contact with personnel and equipment. For MRSA, spa typing was used to determine relatedness of patient and environmental isolates. Results: For the 17 patients enrolled, 1 or more environmental cultures became positive for MRSA in rooms of 10 patients (59%), for C. difficile in rooms of 2 patients (12%) and for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in rooms of 2 patients (12%). The patients interacted with an average of 2.4 personnel and 0.6 portable devices per hour of observation. As shown in Figure 1, MRSA contamination of the floor occurred rapidly as personnel entered the room. In a subset of patients, MRSA was subsequently recovered from patients’ socks and bedding and ultimately from the high-touch surfaces in the room (tray table, call button, bedrail). For several patients, MRSA isolates recovered from the floor had the same spa type as isolates subsequently recovered from other sites (eg, socks, bedding, and/or high touch surfaces). The direct transfer of healthcare-associated pathogens from personnel or equipment to high-touch surfaces was not detected. Conclusions: Healthcare-associated pathogens rapidly accumulate on the floor of patient rooms and can be transferred to the socks and bedding of patients and to high-touch surfaces. Healthcare facility floors may be an underappreciated source of pathogen dissemination not addressed by current infection control measures.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Sources of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Microorganisms in Dental Aerosols

2021 ◽  
pp. 002203452110159
Author(s):  
A.P. Meethil ◽  
S. Saraswat ◽  
P.P. Chaudhary ◽  
S.M. Dabdoub ◽  
P.S. Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
16S Sequencing ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients

On March 16, 2020, 198,000 dentists in the United States closed their doors to patients, fueled by concerns that aerosols generated during dental procedures are potential vehicles for transmission of respiratory pathogens through saliva. Our knowledge of these aerosol constituents is sparse and gleaned from case reports and poorly controlled studies. Therefore, we tracked the origins of microbiota in aerosols generated during ultrasonic scaling, implant osteotomy, and restorative procedures by combining reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (to identify and quantify SARS-CoV-2) and 16S sequencing (to characterize the entire microbiome) with fine-scale enumeration and source tracking. Linear discriminant analysis of Bray-Curtis dissimilarity distances revealed significant class separation between the salivary microbiome and aerosol microbiota deposited on the operator, patient, assistant, or the environment ( P < 0.01, analysis of similarities). We also discovered that 78% of the microbiota in condensate could be traced to the dental irrigant, while saliva contributed to a median of 0% of aerosol microbiota. We also identified low copy numbers of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the saliva of several asymptomatic patients but none in aerosols generated from these patients. Together, the bacterial and viral data encourage us to conclude that when infection control measures are used, such as preoperative mouth rinses and intraoral high-volume evacuation, dental treatment is not a factor in increasing the risk for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic patients and that standard infection control practices are sufficiently capable of protecting personnel and patients from exposure to potential pathogens. This information is of immediate urgency, not only for safe resumption of dental treatment during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but also to inform evidence-based selection of personal protection equipment and infection control practices at a time when resources are stretched and personal protection equipment needs to be prioritized.

Hospital-acquired infection awareness and control practices among healthcare staff: an evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 296-302
Author(s):  
Pallavi Saraswat ◽  
Rajnarayan R Tiwari ◽  
Muralidhar Varma ◽  
Sameer Phadnis ◽  
Monica Sindhu
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Control Policies ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infection ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Background/Aims Hospital-acquired infections pose a risk to the wellbeing of both patients and staff. They are largely preventable, particularly if hospital staff have adequate knowledge of and adherence to infection control policies. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of hospital-acquired infection control measures among hospital staff. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 71 staff members in a tertiary healthcare facility in Karnataka, India. The researchers distributed a questionnaire containing 33 questions regarding knowledge of hospital-acquired infections, awareness of infection control policies and adherence to control practices. The results were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 16.0 and a Kruskal–Wallis test. Results Respondents' mean percentage score on the knowledge of hospital-acquired infections section was 72%. Their mean percentage scores on the awareness and practice of infection prevention measures sections were 82% and 77% respectively. Doctors and those with more years of experience typically scored higher. Conclusion The respondents had an acceptable level of knowledge, awareness and adherence to infection control practices. However, continued training is essential in the prevention of hospital-acquired infections. The majority of the respondents stated that they were willing to undertake training in this area, and this opportunity should be provided in order to improve infection control quality.

scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Emerging and Future Challenges for Dental and Oral Medicine

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Meng ◽  
F. Hua ◽  
Z. Bian
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
The World ◽  
Essential Knowledge ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), originating in Wuhan, China, has become a major public health challenge for not only China but also countries around the world. The World Health Organization announced that the outbreaks of the novel coronavirus have constituted a public health emergency of international concern. As of February 26, 2020, COVID-19 has been recognized in 34 countries, with a total of 80,239 laboratory-confirmed cases and 2,700 deaths. Infection control measures are necessary to prevent the virus from further spreading and to help control the epidemic situation. Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infection can be high between patients and dental practitioners. For dental practices and hospitals in areas that are (potentially) affected with COVID-19, strict and effective infection control protocols are urgently needed. This article, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and nosocomial infection in dental settings and provides recommended management protocols for dental practitioners and students in (potentially) affected areas.

scholarly journals Content Analysis of the Free COVID-19 Telephone Consultations Available during the First Wave of the Pandemic in Japan

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1593
Author(s):  
Kyoko Yoshioka-Maeda ◽  
Yuka Sumikawa ◽  
Noriha Tanaka ◽  
Chikako Honda ◽  
Riho Iwasaki-Motegi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Consultation Services

This cross-sectional study aimed to (1) describe the unclassified contents of telephone consultation services provided by a public health center during the first wave of COVID-19 in Japan and (2) examine whether the contents required assistance from public health nurses (PHNs). We analyzed a total of 207 calls in which the purpose of the call was unclassified into pre-set categories. PHNs transcribed the exact text of the consultation conversations recorded from 25 March to 20 April 2020 in City A. Approximately half of the calls were from residents. Seven categories were extracted through a qualitative content analysis. The most common topic was infection control measures, where the presence of COVID-19 infection was assumed (n = 62); the second most common was extreme anxiety and fear of infection (n = 50). Questions about the COVID-19 response system (n = 30), discrimination and misunderstandings about COVID-19 (n = 24), and response measures for COVID-19 outbreaks within organizations (n = 18) were also included. The unclassified consultations included various topics, several of which required the expertise of a PHN. Each local government should consider sharing and task-shifting telephone consultation services among PHNs and other staff to reduce their burden and allow them to concentrate on conducting infection control more effectively.

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