The Science Behind Safe School Re-Opening: Leveraging the Pillars of Infection Control to Support Safe Elementary and Secondary Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract There are limited tools for adapting COVID-19 infection control plans to school settings. We present an infection prevention model for optimizing safe re-opening for elementary and secondary schools during the global COVID-19 pandemic and review the current evidence behind various infection prevention interventions in school settings. The model is adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fundamental pillars for infection prevention, and includes four categories of intervention: epidemiologic controls (town prevalence metrics, diagnostic testing, quarantine strategies), administrative controls (state vaccination policies, alternative school models, symptom screens, quarantine breaks), engineering/environmental controls (distancing, outdoor space, ventilation), and personal protective equipment (PPE)/Hand hygiene (face coverings, hand sanitizing). The adapted infection control pillars model utilizes implementation-science informed considerations to maximize pragmatism and adherence by leveraging evidence-based strategies. It highlights the necessity of redundant infection prevention interventions, acknowledges the importance of community buy-in to achieve real-world effectiveness, and addresses tactics to overcome implementation barriers. Recommendations are grounded in the Dynamic Sustainability Framework and include suggestions to maintain infection prevention effectiveness over time to ensure ongoing safety.

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Barriers to infection prevention and control practice among Amhara region teaching hospitals in Ethiopia: Qualitative study

International Journal of Infection Control ◽

10.3396/ijic.v15i2.007.19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Walelegn Worku Yallew ◽

Abera Kumie ◽

Feleke Moges Yehuala

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Worker ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Teaching Hospitals ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Amhara Region ◽

Implementation Barriers ◽

Control Practice ◽

And Control

Healthcare workers have good perception towards infection prevention, but there has been a poor practice towards it. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore barriers to practice of infection prevention and control practice in teaching hospitals in Amhara region. A phenomenological approach used to explore the lived experience of healthcare workers and management staffs towards infection prevention practice and control. The data was collected from ten in-depth interviews and 23 focus group discussion participants, by face to face interview using open ended interview performed in safe and quiet places. Data was managed using OpenCode software version 4.03 and contents were analyzed thematically. Totally ten different barriers were identified, such as availability of facilities, shortage of material supply, lack of maintenance of facilities and equipment, high patient flow, experience, emergency situation, healthcare worker behaviour and healthcare worker’s information about infection prevention, low awareness of patients and visitors and overflow of families and visitors to the hospital. For effective infection prevention practice implementation, barriers should be considered via identifying specific organizational, healthcare worker, patients and visitors as targets.

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Results of screening for emergent highly resistant bacteria in Tunisian intensive care units

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.711 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

M Ben Rejeb ◽

A Ben Cheikh ◽

S Bhiri ◽

H Ghali ◽

M Kahloul ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Intensive Care Units ◽

Early Identification ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Screening Program ◽

Control Measures ◽

University Hospital ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Prevention Interventions

Abstract Background The infections caused by emergent highly resistant bacteria (eHBR) that develop in intensive care units (ICUs) may result in significant patient illnesses and deaths, extend the duration of hospital stays and generate added costs. Facing this problem, the screening that emphasizes early identification of colonized patients, reduces the prevalence and incidence of infection, improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs. In this context, we have implemented a screening for eHBR in ICUs of Sahloul university hospital of Sousse (Tunisia), which we report in this study the first six-months outcomes. Methods Rectal swab cultures were collected to detect Vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE) and Carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) among patients admitted in six ICUs of Sahloul university hospital of Sousse (Tunisia) and more than three times, at least one week apart, between 1 June and 31 December 2018. Results During the study period 174 patients were screened. Of them, 69.5% were male and 73.6% were admitted in surgical ICU. In total, 161 and 152 samples were realized respectively for the detection of CPE and VRE. These samples were positive in 15% and 8.5% respectively for CPE and VRE. Klebsiella pneumoniae OXA 48 was the most isolated CPE (80%). Conclusions Our screening program helped us in infection control by early identification of patients, thereby facilitating an informed decision about infection prevention interventions. Moreover, these results encouraged us to improve and generalize this program throughout the hospital. Key messages eHRB screening becomes an important axis in the prevention of eHRB infections in our facilities. eHRB screening allows the reinforcement of the basic infection prevention and control measures.

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Challenges to Infection Control Team during COVID-19 Pandemic in a Quaternary Medical Center in Saudi Arabia

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2021.72 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-20

Author(s):

Hala A Amer ◽

Ibrahim A Alowidah ◽

Chasteffi Bugtai ◽

Barbara M. Soule ◽

Ziad A Memish

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Infection Control ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Task Force ◽

Care Center ◽

Capital City ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Team Approach ◽

And Control

Abstract Background: King Saud Medical City (KSMC) is a quaternary care center based in the center of the capital city, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and is one of the key Ministry of Health (MoH) facilities dedicated to the care of COVID-19 patients in the central region. Methods: A comprehensive surge plan was promptly launched in mid-March 2020 to address the pandemic and then expanded in a phase-wise approach. Supporting the capacity of the infection prevention and control department (IPCD) was one of the main pillars of KSMC surge plan. Task force Infection Control teams have been formulated to tackle the different aspects of pandemic containment processes. The challenges and measures undertaken by the IPC team have been described. Conclusion: Realizing the more prominent role of infection prevention and control staff as frontline responders to public health emergencies like COVID-19, a solid infection prevention and control system at the healthcare setting supported by qualified and sufficient manpower, a well-developed multidisciplinary team approach, electronic infrastructure and efficient supply utilization is required for effective crisis management.

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Infection Prevention Considerations for a Multi-Mission Convention Center Field Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2021.210 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-21

Author(s):

Jennifer A. Jones ◽

Zishan K. Siddiqui ◽

Charles Callahan ◽

Surbhi Leekha ◽

Sharon Smyth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Best Practices ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Diagnostic Testing ◽

The United States ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Field Hospital ◽

First Case ◽

Convention Center ◽

Set Up ◽

And Control

Abstract The state of Maryland identified its first case of COVID-19 on March 5, 2020. The Baltimore Convention Center (BCCFH) quickly became a selected location to set up a 250-bed inpatient Field Hospital and Alternate Care Site. In contrast to other field hospitals throughout the United States, the BCCFH remained open throughout the pandemic and took on additional COVID-19 missions, including community SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing, monoclonal antibody infusions for COVID-19 outpatients, and community COVID-19 vaccinations. At the time of publication, the BCCFH had cared for 1,478 COVID-19 inpatients, performed 108,155 COVID-19 tests, infused 2,166 COVID-19 patients, and administered 115,169 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. To prevent the spread of pathogens during operations, infection prevention and control guidelines were essential to ensure the safety of staff and patients. Through multi-agency collaboration, utilization of infection prevention best practices, and answering what we describe as “PPE-ESP”, an operational framework was established to reduce infection risks for those providing or receiving care at the BCCFH during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Knowledge and attitude towards infection control among supporting staffs of Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan

Journal of Chitwan Medical College ◽

10.3126/jcmc.v6i1.16654 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 40-47

Author(s):

M Lopchan ◽

G Gurung ◽

L Rajbanshi ◽

C Osti ◽

A Baniya

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Developing Countries ◽

Infection Control ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Nosocomial Infections ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

College Teaching ◽

Care Providers ◽

Medical College ◽

Regular Training

Nosocomial infections (NIs) are one of the most important health issues, particularly in developing countries, because these infections cause high mortality and morbidity, and economic and human resource loss as a consequence Nosocomial infections can be defined as those occurring within 48 hours of hospital admission, 3 days of discharge or 30 days of an operation. Many studies have examined risk factors of nosocomial infections. However, knowledge of frontline workers (attendants) in infection prevention have been reported rarely in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of attendants working in different wards and OPDs about infection prevention. S: Data were collected from 100 attendants in Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital. Regarding the knowledge on hand washing, gloving and personal accessories for Infection Prevention, majority of the respondents had good knowledge ranging from 94-100%. Though hospital has established Infection Prevention Committee and regular training on infection prevention is provided to all the staffs, the data indicated that only 68% respondents were benefitted by the infection prevention training and proper use of virex solution to disinfect the equipment’s was found unsatisfactory. Infection control is the responsibility of all Health Care Facility (HCF) personnel. The goal of the infection control policies are to identify and reduce risks of acquiring and transmitting infections among patients, staff, students, volunteers, contract service workers, and visitors Although significant effort has been made to reduce the Nosocomial infections, regular training as well as monitoring supervision will enhance the capacity of the health care providers and front line workers for cleaning services they are our valued respondents.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v6i1.55069

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The ultrasound unit and infection control – Are we on the right track?

Ultrasound ◽

10.1177/1742271x16688720 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 53-57 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Susan C Westerway ◽

Jocelyne M Basseal

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Best Practice ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Ultrasound Transducers ◽

Awareness Campaign ◽

Best Practice Guidelines ◽

Hygiene Practices ◽

Cleaning Methods ◽

The Right ◽

Current Guidelines

Best practice guidelines for the disinfection of ultrasound transducers and infection prevention in ultrasound departments are generally recommended by either government health groups or the ultrasound societies of individual countries. The literature shows a wide variance in not only transducer cleaning methods but basic hygiene practices in the ultrasound workplace. This paper describes results from a UK survey of disinfection of ultrasound transducers and hygiene practice in the workplace. The survey revealed that some ultrasound practitioners did not follow current guidelines with regard to the correct disinfection method of transducers, cords or ultrasound machine keyboards. Furthermore, the survey exposed the lack of training from the product manufacturers on how to use the disinfection product appropriately. These inconsistencies may be responsible for compliance issues and highlight the need for an awareness campaign and a unified approach to infection control by ultrasound practitioners.

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Pulmonary Hemorrhage in the Neonate

Neonatal Network The Journal of Neonatal Nursing ◽

10.1891/11-t-696 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (5) ◽

pp. 295-304

Author(s):

Megan Alexandra Welde ◽

Cassidy Brooke Sanford ◽

Melissa Mangum ◽

Christy Paschal ◽

Amy J. Jnah

Keyword(s):

Early Identification ◽

Diagnostic Testing ◽

Pulmonary Hemorrhage ◽

Underlying Disease ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Exogenous Surfactant ◽

Significant Morbidity ◽

Proactive Management ◽

Surfactant Administration

Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) is a pathology associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among preterm infants in the NICU. The diagnosis is made when hemorrhagic secretions are aspirated from the trachea concurrent with respiratory decompensation that necessitates intubation or escalated support. The implementation of mechanical ventilation and widespread exogenous surfactant administration have significantly reduced respiratory morbidities. However, when PH develops, death remains the most common outcome. Treatment for PH remains primarily supportive; thus, a thorough understanding of underlying disease processes, manifestations, diagnostic testing, and current evidence is vital to enable early identification and proactive management to reduce morbidity and mortality.

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Sustained Infection Reduction in Outpatient Hemodialysis Centers Participating in a Collaborative Bloodstream Infection Prevention Effort

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2016.22 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (7) ◽

pp. 863-866 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Sarah H. Yi ◽

Alexander J. Kallen ◽

Sally Hess ◽

Virginia R. Bren ◽

Mary E. Lincoln ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Incidence Rate ◽

Bloodstream Infection ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Infect Control Hosp ◽

Current Analysis ◽

Prevention Effort ◽

Prevention Interventions ◽

Infection Reduction ◽

Dialysis Facilities

Among dialysis facilities participating in a bloodstream infection (BSI) prevention collaborative, access-related BSI incidence rate improvements observed immediately following implementation of a bundle of BSI prevention interventions were sustained for up to 4 years. Overall, BSI incidence remained unchanged from baseline in the current analysis.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:863–866

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What Makes a Tweet Fly? Analysis of Twitter Messaging at Four Infection Control Conferences

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2017.170 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (11) ◽

pp. 1271-1276 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Brett G. Mitchell ◽

Philip L. Russo ◽

Jonathan A. Otter ◽

Martin A. Kiernan ◽

Landon Aveling

Keyword(s):

Network Analysis ◽

Infection Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Model ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Activity Networks ◽

The Uk

OBJECTIVETo examine tweeting activity, networks, and common topics mentioned on Twitter at 4 international infection control and infectious disease conferences.DESIGNA cross-sectional study.METHODSAn independent company was commissioned to undertake a Twitter ‘trawl’ each month between July 1, 2016, and November 31, 2016. The trawl identified any tweets that contained the official hashtags of the conferences for (1) the UK Infection Prevention Society, (2) IDWeek 2016, (3) the Federation of Infectious Society/Hospital Infection Society, and (4) the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control. Topics from each tweet were identified, and an examination of the frequency and timing of tweets was performed. A social network analysis was performed to illustrate connections between users. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was developed to explore the predictors of ‘retweets.’RESULTSIn total, 23,718 tweets were identified as using 1 of the 2 hashtags of interest. The results demonstrated that the most tweets were posted during the conferences. Network analysis demonstrated a diversity of twitter networks. A link to a web address was a significant predictor of whether a tweet would be retweeted (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9–2.1). Other significant factors predicting a retweet included tweeting on topics such as Clostridium difficile (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.7–2.4) and the media (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.6–2.0). Tweets that contained a picture were significantly less likely to be retweeted (OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.05–0.08).CONCLUSIONTwitter is a useful tool for information sharing and networking at infection control conferences.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1271–1276

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School's Out

Elements ◽

10.6017/eurj.v16i1.14061 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 39-52

Author(s):

Charlie Power

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Low Income ◽

Education System ◽

The United States ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Learning Loss ◽

Summer Learning ◽

Elementary And Secondary Education ◽

Heated Debate ◽

The Impact

The debate over the future direction of elementary and secondary education in the United States is fractious and contentious. Many of these are rooted in concerns over disparities in financial circumstances and race. While the full extent of the gaps, in addition to the United States' mediocre education system relative to other industrialized nations, has been a subject of frequent research and heated debate, one crucial component of this divide has yet to be analyzed: summer learning loss. This paper will closely analyze published literature in order to analyze the impact of summer education loss. Additionally, this paper will argue that summer learning varies by socioeconomic status (SES), with low-income populations gradually regressing over the years. This phenomenon has ramifications on students' achievement and explains the disparities that accumulate over a student's educational career. Finally, based on current evidence, this paper will make policy recommendations on how to change the current education system to better address summer's inherent inequities.

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