scholarly journals Foundations of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Preparedness and Response Plan for Healthcare Facilities

2004 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 1020-1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjun Srinivasan ◽  
Lawrence C. McDonald ◽  
Daniel Jernigan ◽  
Rita Helfand ◽  
Kathleen Ginsheimer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Airborne Infection ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Response Plan ◽  
Healthcare Administrators ◽  
Staffing Needs

AbstractObjective:To help facilities prepare for potential future cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).Design and Participants:The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), assisted by members of professional societies representing public health, healthcare workers, and healthcare administrators, developed guidance to help facilities both prepare for and respond to cases of SARS.Interventions:The recommendations in the CDC document were based on some of the important lessons learned in healthcare settings around the world during the SARS outbreak of 2003, including that (1) a SARS outbreak requires a coordinated and dynamic response by multiple groups; (2) unrecognized cases of SARS-associated coronavirus are a significant source of transmission; (3) restricting access to the healthcare facility can minimize transmission; (4) airborne infection isolation is recommended, but facilities and equipment may not be available; and (5) staffing needs and support will pose a significant challenge.Conclusions:Healthcare facilities were at the center of the SARS outbreak of 2003 and played a key role in controlling the epidemic. Recommendations in the CDC's SARS preparedness and response guidance for healthcare facilities will help facilities prepare for possible future outbreaks of SARS.

scholarly journals Role of the Healthcare Surface Environment in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Transmission and Potential Control Measures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajime Kanamori ◽  
David J Weber ◽  
William A Rutala
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Potential Control ◽  
Healthcare Environment ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Environmental Surfaces ◽  
Direct Exposure

Abstract The healthcare environment serves as one of the possible routes of transmission of epidemiologically important pathogens, but the role of the contaminated environment on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission remains unclear. We reviewed survival, contamination, and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via environmental surfaces and shared medical devices as well as environmental disinfection of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings. Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, have been demonstrated to survive for hours to days on environmental surfaces depending on experimental conditions. The healthcare environment is frequently contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 RNA in most studies but without evidence of viable virus. Although direct exposure to respiratory droplets is the main transmission route of SARS-CoV-2, the contaminated healthcare environment can potentially result in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 as described with other coronaviruses such as SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronaviruses. It is important to improve thoroughness of cleaning/disinfection practices in healthcare facilities and select effective disinfectants to decontaminate inanimate surfaces and shared patient care items.

scholarly journals Investigation of healthcare infection risks from water-related organisms: Summary of CDC consultations, 2014—2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 621-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiran M. Perkins ◽  
Sujan C. Reddy ◽  
Ryan Fagan ◽  
Matthew J. Arduino ◽  
Joseph F. Perz
Keyword(s):  
Medical Devices ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Exposure Pathways ◽  
Water Exposure ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Water Splash ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Healthcare Associated

AbstractObjective:Water exposures in healthcare settings and during healthcare delivery can place patients at risk for infection with water-related organisms and can potentially lead to outbreaks. We aimed to describe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consultations involving water-related organisms leading to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).Design:Retrospective observational study.Methods:We reviewed internal CDC records from January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2017, using water-related terms and organisms, excluding Legionella, to identify consultations that involved potential or confirmed transmission of water-related organisms in healthcare. We determined plausible exposure pathways and routes of transmission when possible.Results:Of 620 consultations during the study period, we identified 134 consultations (21.6%), with 1,380 patients, that involved the investigation of potential water-related HAIs or infection control lapses with the potential for water-related HAIs. Nontuberculous mycobacteria were involved in the greatest number of investigations (n = 40, 29.9%). Most frequently, investigations involved medical products (n = 48, 35.8%), and most of these products were medical devices (n = 40, 83.3%). We identified a variety of plausible water-exposure pathways, including medication preparation near water splash zones and water contamination at the manufacturing sites of medications and medical devices.Conclusions:Water-related investigations represent a substantial proportion of CDC HAI consultations and likely represent only a fraction of all water-related HAI investigations and outbreaks occurring in US healthcare facilities. Water-related HAI investigations should consider all potential pathways of water exposure. Finally, healthcare facilities should develop and implement water management programs to limit the growth and spread of water-related organisms.

scholarly journals Appraisal of China's Response to the Outbreak of COVID-19 in Comparison With SARS

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiajia Li ◽  
Shixue Li ◽  
Wuchun Cao ◽  
Zhongli Wang ◽  
Zhuohui Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Containment Measures ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Initial Delay

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has since become a pandemic. The COVID-19 containment measures were comparable to those used with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), although these were stricter and more organized, and were initiated earlier and on a larger scale. Based on the lessons learned from SARS, the Chinese government acted aggressively in response to COVID-19, through a unified and effective commanding system, using law-based and science-driven strategies, and coordinated deployment of medical resources. Additionally, the application of high-tech measures, traditional Chinese medicine, and hierarchical medical systems also played an important role in control measures. Despite the remarkable performance, the initial delay in response suggests that the coordination between public health and medical services, reserve and coordination of emergency materials, and capacity for disease control and prevention need to be strengthened.

scholarly journals Lessons Learned from Battling COVID-19: The Korean Experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7548
Author(s):  
Sang M. Lee ◽  
DonHee Lee
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Shared Goal ◽  
Healthcare Administrators

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the world like a gigantic tsunami, turning social and economic activities upside down. Methods: This paper presents some of the innovative response strategies implemented by the public health system, healthcare facilities, and government in South Korea, which has been hailed as the model country for its success in containing COVID-19. Korea reinvented its public health infrastructure with a sense of urgency. Results: Korea’s success rests on its readiness, with the capacity for massive testing and obtaining prompt test results, effective contact tracing based on its world-leading mobile technologies, timely provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to first responders, effective treatment of infected patients, and invoking citizens’ community and civic conscience for the shared goal of defeating the pandemic. The lessons learned from Korea’s response in countering the onslaught of COVID-19 provide unique implications for public healthcare administrators and operations management practitioners. Conclusion: Since many epidemic experts warn of a second wave of COVID-19, the lessons learned from the first wave will be a valuable resource for responding to the resurgence of the virus.

scholarly journals Unlocking the health system barriers to maximise the uptake and utilisation of molecular diagnostics in low-income and middle-income country setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. e005357
Author(s):  
Nyanda Elias Ntinginya ◽  
Davis Kuchaka ◽  
Fred Orina ◽  
Ivan Mwebaza ◽  
Alphonce Liyoyo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Diagnostics ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Early Access ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Barriers And Opportunities ◽  
Healthcare Administrators ◽  
Probe Assay ◽  
Tb Diagnostics

BackgroundEarly access to diagnosis is crucial for effective management of any disease including tuberculosis (TB). We investigated the barriers and opportunities to maximise uptake and utilisation of molecular diagnostics in routine healthcare settings.MethodsUsing the implementation of WHO approved TB diagnostics, Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin (MTB/RIF) and Line Probe Assay (LPA) as a benchmark, we evaluated the barriers and how they could be unlocked to maximise uptake and utilisation of molecular diagnostics.ResultsHealth officers representing 190 districts/counties participated in the survey across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The survey findings were corroborated by 145 healthcare facility (HCF) audits and 11 policy-maker engagement workshops. Xpert MTB/RIF coverage was 66%, falling behind microscopy and clinical diagnosis by 33% and 1%, respectively. Stratified by HCF type, Xpert MTB/RIF implementation was 56%, 96% and 95% at district, regional and national referral hospital levels. LPA coverage was 4%, 3% below culture across the three countries. Out of 111 HCFs with Xpert MTB/RIF, 37 (33%) used it to full capacity, performing ≥8 tests per day of which 51% of these were level five (zonal consultant and national referral) HCFs. Likewise, 75% of LPA was available at level five HCFs. Underutilisation of Xpert MTB/RIF and LPA was mainly attributed to inadequate—utilities, 26% and human resource, 22%. Underfinancing was the main reason underlying failure to acquire molecular diagnostics. Second to underfinancing was lack of awareness with 33% healthcare administrators and 49% practitioners were unaware of LPA as TB diagnostic. Creation of a national health tax and decentralising its management was proposed by policy-makers as a booster of domestic financing needed to increase access to diagnostics.ConclusionOur findings suggest higher uptake and utilisation of molecular diagnostics at tertiary level HCFs contrary to the WHO recommendation. Country-led solutions are crucial for unlocking barriers to increase access to diagnostics.

Post-Occupancy Evaluation of a Mental Healthcare Facility Based on Staff Perceptions of Design Innovations

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 121-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleh Kalantari ◽  
Robin Snell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Specific Design ◽  
Staff Perceptions ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: This study was a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) to examine the effectiveness of three specific design innovations in a mental healthcare facility. In addition to collecting data about the impact of these specific designs, the study provides a model for the broader implementation of POE approaches in the mental healthcare context. Background: POEs in general healthcare settings have been shown to lead to better work environments and better outcomes for patients. Despite growing evidence of the value provided by POE studies, the industry has been somewhat slow to adopt their regular use, in part due to unfamiliarity with the POE process. This is particularly true in mental healthcare contexts, where POE studies remain virtually nonexistent. Method: In-depth interviews and a widely distributed, anonymous survey were used to collect hospital staff perceptions and feedback regarding the impact of specific design features. Results: The hospital staff were quite enthusiastic about two of the design innovations studied here (a new wayfinding strategy and the use of vibrant colors in specific areas of the facility). The third innovation, open-style communication centers, elicited more mixed evaluations. The results include extensive hypothesis testing about the effects of each innovation as well as narrative discussions of their pros and cons. Conclusions: The study generated new knowledge about three specific mental healthcare design innovations and provides a model for the practical implementation of a POE approach in mental healthcare contexts. The results are particularly relevant for designers who are considering innovative strategies in future mental healthcare facilities.

scholarly journals SARS Coronavirus 2, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Children: A Review on Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation, and Diagnosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Ahmad Tabatabaii ◽  
Pegah Soltani ◽  
Ghamartaj Khanbabaee ◽  
Deepak Sharma ◽  
Rohollah Valizadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Clinical Feature ◽  
Sars Coronavirus ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Context: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused irreparable damage to society. The pediatric population may be asymptomatic but has positive viral nucleic acid test results and plays an important role in spreading the infection in populations. However, there is a substantial information gap on the epidemiology, pathology, and clinical presentations of COVID-19 in pediatric patients. Evidence Acquisition: English research articles published before April 18, 2020, were reviewed to understand the clinical characteristics of SARS coronavirus 2, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in children. The WHO (https://www.who. int/) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/) websites were also reviewed to find eligible studies, besides articles extracted from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Results: In comparison with SARS and MERS, COVID-19 seems to have wider clinical symptoms and routes of transmission. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome is a unique clinical feature of this novel virus. The low prevalence of COVID-19 in children may be due to lower contacts or incomplete identification rather than resistance to the virus. Conclusions: As this virus is novel, we believe that lessons learned from SARS and MERS outbreaks are very valuable in handling the current pandemic. The aim of this paper was to provide the updated summary of clinical manifestation, diagnostic, molecular, and genetic aspects of the novel coronavirus in comparison with SARS and MERS coronaviruses in children.

COVID-19: The Importance of Adequate Personal Protective Equipment in Healthcare Medical Staff

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Weissenstein
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Emotional Resilience ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
And Control

We present an update on infection prevention and control for COVID-19 in healthcare settings. This update focuses on measures to be applied in settings with increasing community transmission, growing demand for concern about COVID-19 patients, and subsequent staffing issues in the event of shortages of personal protective equipment for healthcare facilities worldwide. The comfort and emotional resilience of health care workers are key components in maintaining essential health care services during the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) outbreak.

scholarly journals DEEP SCOPE: A Framework for Safe Healthcare Design

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 7780
Author(s):  
Ellen Taylor ◽  
Sue Hignett
Keyword(s):  
Human Factor ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Built Environments ◽  
Facility Design ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Healthcare Design ◽  
Accident Causation ◽  
Healthcare Facility Design

Thinking in patient safety has evolved over time from more simplistic accident causation models to more robust frameworks of work system design. Throughout this evolution, less consideration has been given to the role of the built environment in supporting safety. The aim of this paper is to theoretically explore how we think about harm as a systems problem by mitigating the risk of adverse events through proactive healthcare facility design. We review the evolution of thinking in safety as a safety science. Using falls as a case study topic, we use a previously published model (SCOPE: Safety as Complexity of the Organization, People, and Environment) to develop an expanded framework. The resulting theoretical model and matrix, DEEP SCOPE (DEsigning with Ergonomic Principles), provide a way to synthesize design interventions into a systems-based model for healthcare facility design using human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) design principles. The DEEP SCOPE matrix is proposed to highlight the design of safe healthcare facilities as an ergonomic problem of design that fits the environment to the user by understanding built environments that support the “human” factor.

scholarly journals Compliance with Standard Precautions and Its Relationship with Views on Infection Control and Prevention Policy among Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3420
Author(s):  
Eliza Lai-Yi Wong ◽  
Kin-Fai Ho ◽  
Dong Dong ◽  
Annie Wai-Ling Cheung ◽  
Peter Sen-Yung Yau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Prevention Policy ◽  
Standard Precautions ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
And Control ◽  
Infection Control And Prevention

Background: Standard precautions prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Incompliance with infection control guidelines of healthcare workers (HCWs) may increase their risk of exposure to infectious disease, especially under pandemics. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of compliance with the infection prevention and control practices among HCWs in different healthcare settings and its relationship with their views on workplace infection control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Nurses in Hong Kong were invited to respond to a cross-sectional online survey, in which their views on workplace infection and prevention policy, compliance with standard precautions and self-reported health during pandemics were collected. Results: The respondents were dissatisfied with workplace infection and prevention policy in terms of comprehensiveness (62%), clarity (64%), timeliness (63%), and transparency (60%). For the protective behavior, the respondents did not fully comply with the standard precautions when they were involved in medical care. Their compliance was relatively low when having proper patient handling (54%) and performing invasive procedures (46%). A multivariate analysis model proved that the level of compliance of the standard precautions was positively associated with the satisfaction on infection control and prevention policy among high risk group (0.020; 95% CI: 0.005–0.036), while older respondents had higher level of compliance among the inpatient and outpatient groups (coefficient range: 0.065–0.076). The higher level of compliance was also significantly associated with working in designated team and having chronic condition of the respondents among high-risk and inpatient groups. Conclusions: Standard precautions are the most important elements to reduce cross-transmission among HCWs and patients while the satisfaction on infection control and prevention policy would increase the compliance among the high-risk group. An overall suboptimal compliance and poor views on the infection prevention and control guidelines is a warning signal to healthcare system especially during pandemics.

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