scholarly journals Atypical symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 test results, and immunization rates in 456 residents from eight nursing homes facing a COVID-19 outbreak

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hubert Blain ◽  
Lucie Gamon ◽  
Edouard Tuaillon ◽  
Amandine Pisoni ◽  
Nadia Giacosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Testing Temperature ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Atypical Symptoms ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Immunization Rates ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Frail Older Persons

Abstract Background Frail older persons may have an atypical presentation of COVID-19. The value of rRT-PCR testing for identifying SARS-CoV-2 nursing homes (NH) residents is not known. Objective To determine whether (i) atypical symptoms may predict rRT-PCR results and (ii) rRT-PCR results may predict immunization against SARS-CoV-2 in NH residents. Design A retrospective longitudinal study. Setting eight NHs with at least ten rRT-PCR-positive residents. Subjects 456 residents. Methods Typical and atypical symptoms recorded in residents’ files during the 14 days before and after rRT-PCR testing were analyzed. Residents underwent blood testing for IgG-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein 6 to 8 weeks after testing. Univariate and multivariate analyses compared symptoms and immunization rates in rRT-PCR-positive and negative residents. Results 161 residents had a positive rRT-PCR (35.3%), 17.4% of whom were asymptomatic before testing. Temperature > 37.8°C, oxygen saturation < 90%, unexplained anorexia, behavioural change, exhaustion, malaise, and falls before testing were independent predictors of a further positive rRT-PCR. Among the rRT-PCR-positive residents, 95.2% developed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies vs 7.6% in the rRT-PCR-negative residents. Among the residents with a negative rRT-PCR, those who developed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies more often had typical or atypical symptoms (p = 0.02 and < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion This study supports a strategy based on (i) testing residents with typical or unexplained atypical symptoms for an early identification of the first SARS-CoV-2 cases, (ii) rT-PCR testing for identifying COVID-19 residents, (iii) repeated wide-facility testing (including asymptomatic cases) as soon as a resident is tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and (iv) implementing SARS-CoV-2 infection control measures in rRT-PCR-negative residents when they have unexplained typical or atypical symptoms.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among Health Care Personnel at a Health Care System in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
pp. 101053952110110
Author(s):  
Salma Abbas ◽  
Aun Raza ◽  
Ayesha Iftikhar ◽  
Aamir Khan ◽  
Shahzaib Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Care Personnel ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Past Infection ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
History Of ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Health care personnel (HCP) are at high risk for coronavirus disease-2019 acquisition. Serum antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) indicate past infection. Our institution offered SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing to HCP. We surveyed HCP with positive test results to explore past exposure to SARS-CoV-2, details of symptoms during the preceding 6 months, and a history of SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction testing. A total of 2162 HCP underwent antibody testing. Eight hundred fifty-seven (39.6%) employees tested positive and, of these, 820 (95.7%) participated in the survey. When adjusted for age, males had higher odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies compared with females (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.37-2.05; P = .00) and clinical staff had higher odds of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity compared with nonclinical staff (OR = 1.273; 95% CI = 1.06-1.53; P = .01). Implementation of effective infection control measures is essential to protect HCP from coronavirus disease-2019.

scholarly journals Evaluating person‐centredness for frail older persons in nursing homes before and after implementing a palliative care intervention

Nursing Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 439-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Bökberg ◽  
Lina Behm ◽  
Birgitta Wallerstedt ◽  
Gerd Ahlström
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Care Intervention ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Frail Older Persons

scholarly journals Changes in Acute Respiratory Infection Before and After COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e11
Author(s):  
Hyemin Jung ◽  
Seol-hee Chung ◽  
Han-Sang Kim ◽  
Hyun-Joo Kim ◽  
EunKyo Kang
Keyword(s):  
Control Method ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Medical Utilization ◽  
National Database ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Number Of Visits

Objective: During the outbreak of COVID-19,several coping strategies were implemented including strengthened social distancing, wearing masks and hand hygiene. Thisinfection control method might have been effective for other respiratory infections; however, it had not yet been clearly revealed. Therefore,we investigatedwhetherthe incidence of infectious respiratory diseases has reduced after excluding the effect of decreased medical utilization because of COVID-19 control measures.Design or methods: We used the Korean national claims data and analyzed incidences of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and diseases except ARI. The incidence rates of winter 2019 and 2020 were compared.Results: Excluding ARI,the reduction in overall hospital visits decreased by only 2%; however,the number of visits due to ARI decreased by 13%, and the number of visits due to influenza particularly decreased by 26%.Conclusions: Using national database, this study confirmed that a significant reduction in ARI, including influenza, occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infection control measures including nationally enforced social distancing may be effective in controlling the transmission of other respiratory infections. Further studies are necessary to clarify the causal relationship.

Norovirus outbreaks in nursing homes: the evaluation of infection control measures

2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (12) ◽  
pp. 1722-1733 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. H. M. FRIESEMA ◽  
H. VENNEMA ◽  
J. C. M. HEIJNE ◽  
C. M. de JAGER ◽  
G. MORROY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Control Measures

SUMMARYEffective infection control measures during norovirus outbreaks are urgently needed in places where vulnerable individuals gather. In the present study, the effect of a number of measures was investigated in daily practice. Forty-nine Dutch nursing homes were monitored prospectively for norovirus outbreaks during two winter seasons. A total of 37 norovirus outbreaks were registered. Control measures were most effective when implemented within 3 days after onset of disease of the first patient. Measures targeted at reduced transmission between persons, via aerosols, and via contaminated surfaces reduced illness in staff and in residents. Reducing illness in staff results in fewer costs for sick leave and substitution of staff and less disruption in the care of residents. The effect of control measures on outbreak duration was limited. This is the first intervention study examining the effect of control measures. Further research is needed to extend and refine the conclusions.

scholarly journals C.1 Time Metrics and Clinical Outcomes of Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke Patients Before and After Implementation of COVID-19 Infection Protocols in Nine Canadian Stroke Centres

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (s3) ◽  
pp. S18-S18
Author(s):  
S Zhu ◽  
V Tsehmaister-Abitbul ◽  
G Stotts ◽  
R Fahed ◽  
H Pettem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Hospital Arrival ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
The Impact

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led an implementation of institutional infection control protocols. This study will determine the effects of these protocols on outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with endovascular therapy (EVT). Methods: Uninterrupted time series analysis of the impact of COVID-19 safety protocols on AIS patients undergoing EVT. We analyze data from prospectively collected quality improvement databases at 9 centers from March 11, 2019 to March 10, 2021. The primary outcome is 90-day modified Rankin Score (mRS). The secondary outcomes are angiographic time metrics. Results: Preliminary analysis of one stroke center included 214 EVT patients (n=144 pre-pandemic). Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two periods. Time metrics “last seen normal to puncture” (305.7 vs 407.2 min; p=0.05) and “hospital arrival to puncture” (80.4 vs 121.2 min; p=0.04) were significantly longer during pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. We found no significant difference in 90-day mRS (2.0 vs 2.2; p=0.506) or successful EVT rate (89.6% vs 90%; p=0.93). Conclusions: Our results indicate an increase in key time metrics of EVT in AIS during the pandemic, likely related to infection control measures. Despite the delays, we found no difference in clinical outcomes between the two periods.

Hand hygiene and catheter related bacteraemia rates in ICU patients in Latvia during five years, before and after interventions

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agita Melbarde-Kelmere ◽  
Uga Dumpis
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Patient Treatment ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Bed Days ◽  
Hygiene Compliance

Implementation of a procedure of evidence-based measures resulted in reduced incidence of catheter related bacteraemia from 13.3 to 2.1 cases per 1000 bed days. This improved the results of patient treatment, and shortened the length of hospitalisation. Correct personnel hand hygiene is one of the infection control measures. The results obtained during the study showed that at the beginning hand hygiene compliance indicators were very low (8%), but after implementing targeted measures, these results improved.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis in Health Care Workers and the Impact of Implementation of Hospital Infection-Control Measures

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (11) ◽  
pp. 519-525
Author(s):  
Ana Cláudia Vasconcellos Azeredo ◽  
Sizuane Rieger Holler ◽  
Ellis Gabriela Correa de Almeida ◽  
Otávio Augusto Gonçalves Dias Cionek ◽  
Marcelle Martinez Loureiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Control Plan ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Hospital Infection Control ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Background: Most studies that have evaluated the impact of infection-control measures (ICM) reported a decrease in latent tuberculosis (TB) and not in TB. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of ICM on TB incidence among Health Care Workers (HCW’s). Methods: We conducted a retrospective record review study in a general, tertiary care, university-affiliated hospital. All TB case reports among HCWs in the hospital from 2005 to 2018 were reviewed. The TB incidence was measured before and after 2012 to evaluate the impact of ICM implemented. Findings: In total, there were 53 TB cases. The number of TB cases before and after the implementation of ICM was 42 (incidence: 100.0 cases/100,000 HCWs/year) and 11 (incidence: 26.2 cases/100,000 HCWs/year), respectively ( p < .0001). Conclusions/Application to Practice: TB incidence among HCWs reduced significantly after the implementation of ICM. The establishment of ICM, such as written TB infection control plan, monitoring, screening, training, and education, can reduce TB incidence.

scholarly journals Infection prevention measures for patients undergoing hemodialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a nationwide questionnaire survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuka Sugawara ◽  
◽  
Masao Iwagami ◽  
Kan Kikuchi ◽  
Yoko Yoshida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Nosocomial Transmission ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Dialysis Facilities

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a global pandemic affecting a variety of medical treatments, including hemodialysis. This study aims to investigate the implementation of infection control measures, to examine the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectants, and to quantify the number of nosocomial COVID-19 transmissions in hemodialysis facilities in Japan during the pandemic. Methods We conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey between 20 October and 16 November 2020 (i.e., between the “second wave” and “third wave” in Japan) in the 4198 dialysis facilities of the Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians and the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy. A total of 2227 facilities (53.0%) responded. The questionnaire consisted of (i) characteristics of facilities, (ii) infection prevention measures in routine dialysis practices, (iii) shortage of PPE, (iv) feasibility of various isolation measures, and (v) nosocomial transmission. Results Half of the responding facilities were hospitals with multiple departments, and the other half were clinics specialized in dialysis. Several infection prevention measures such as health checks of staff and patients, donning of masks before and after hemodialysis, and disinfection of frequently contacted areas were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significant improvement in the implementation rate of these measures during the pandemic, compared to before it, which reached over 90%. More than half of the facilities reported a shortage of disposable masks (67.2%) and hand sanitizer alcohol (56.7%). Isolation of COVID-19 patients in private rooms was possible only in 52.7% of the facilities. The majority of facilities (73.3%) could not accept COVID-19 dialysis patients due to lack of space and manpower. Nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 occurred in 4.0% of the facilities. Of those infected, 51.9% were staff. Conclusions This survey revealed that most hemodialysis facilities in Japan had improved implementation of infection control measures and had shortage of PPEs and disinfectants, though some facilities did not implement infection prevention measures adequately, mainly due to the limited space of the facility. It may be recommended that each facility immediately establishes isolation measures to prepare for the pandemic of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Effects of Implementation of Infection Control Measures against COVID-19 on the Condition of Japanese Rural Nursing Homes

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5805
Author(s):  
Ryuichi Ohta ◽  
Yoshinori Ryu ◽  
Chiaki Sano
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Rural Nursing ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Number Of Visits

This study aimed to clarify the effect of coronavirus disease (hereafter, COVID-19) control on patients’ health conditions and staff’s working conditions in rural nursing homes. An interventional study including all staff and patients in a rural nursing home was performed from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2021. Infection control measures against COVID-19 were initiated on 1 April 2020. The primary outcome was the frequency of patients’ medical care visits to the outpatient and emergency departments. The secondary outcome was the number of days-off taken by staff. Each group (pre- and post-COVID-19 control groups) had 48 participants. The number of visits to the outpatient department reduced from the pre-COVID-19 to post-COVID-19 control period the difference in number of visits to the emergency department was not significant, due to the low statistical power. The number of days-off taken by the staff was increased from the pre-COVID-19 to post-COVID-19 control period. This is the first study investigating COVID-19 control measures in a rural nursing home. It may help reduce the number of patient visits to medical facilities without increasing the risk of emergencies. A strict health check of the staff can allow staff to take more days off in rural contexts.

scholarly journals Behavioural changes during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of a nationwide survey in Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria JE Long ◽  
Jean CJ Liu
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Behavioural Changes ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Behaviour Changes

Introduction: As part of infection control measures for COVID-19, individuals have been encouraged to adopt both preventive (such as handwashing) and avoidant behavioural changes (e.g. avoiding crowds). In this study, we examined whether demographics predicted the likelihood that a person would adopt these behaviours in Singapore. Methods: A total of 1,145 participants responded to an online survey conducted between 7 March and 21 April 2020. We collected demographic information and asked participants to report which of 17 behaviour changes they had undertaken because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Regression analyses were performed to predict the number of behavioural changes (preventive, avoidant, and total) as a function of demographics. Finally, we sought to identify predictors of persons who declared that they had not undertaken any of these measures following the outbreak. Results: Most participants (97%) reported at least one behavioural change on account of the pandemic, with changes increasing with the number of local COVID-19 cases (P<0.001). Additionally, women and those who were younger adopted more preventive behaviours (gender: P<0.001; age: P=0.001). Women were more likely to increase handwashing frequency, and younger individuals were more likely to wear face masks prior to legislation. Finally, women and those who were married adopted more avoidant behaviours (gender: P<0.001; marital status: P<0.001), with both groups avoiding crowded areas and staying home more than usual. Women also voluntarily reduced physical contact, whereas those who were married preferentially chose outdoor venues and relied on online shopping. Conclusion: Our characterisation of behavioural changes provides a baseline for public health advisories. Moving forward, health authorities can focus their efforts on encouraging segments of the population who do not readily adopt infection control measures against COVID-19.

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