scholarly journals 960. Creation of an Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Elective for Infectious Disease (ID) Fellows

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S572-S572
Author(s):  
John L Kiley ◽  
Alice E Barsoumian ◽  
Bernadette Thompson ◽  
Elizabeth Markelz

Abstract Background ID specialists often function as leaders of IPAC for healthcare systems, with variable training. Our graduates have noted feeling underprepared for this role despite completion of a computer-based training course on IPAC basics. We developed a 2-4 week IPAC elective (IPACe) rotation to address this gap to increase familiarity with key IPAC concepts, introduce learners to approaches to IPAC investigations, and develop understanding of common IPAC challenges and controversies. Methods Methodology followed Kern’s 6-step approach. A reading list focusing on key areas in infection prevention was developed. Instructional methods included flipped classroom, learner led discussions, performing tracers, and integration with the IPAC team. Key hospital processes including High Level Disinfection (HLD) and Sterile Processing Department (SPD) were reviewed in detail with and observed by learners. In addition to an IPACe, periodic required IPAC essay questions on real-world investigations as they arose were delivered to the learners. Learner Assessment: Learners were assessed on elements of IPAC consistent with the ACGME 6 core competencies at the end of their rotation. Program Assessment: Anonymous narrative feedback was solicited post rotation completion and at semi-annual program evaluations. Additionally, learners were asked to rate the elective on a 5 point Likert scale (1 lowest, 5 highest) and specific feedback was solicited for improvement. Finally, feedback was solicited from graduates in IPAC roles. Results 8 learners participated over from 2017-2021: 2 for 4 weeks, and 6 for 2 weeks. 4 of 8 surveys included a response to the questionnaire, all survey respondents (4/4) rated the elective 5: “rotation should be required of all trainees in the program.” Narrative assessments revealed the elective was highly valuable. Graduates reported feeling well-prepared after the IPACe for their roles as IPAC leaders. Highlights identified were: exposure to interdisciplinary teamwork, participation in tracers in identifying gaps, and using real-world IPAC challenges as cognitive frameworks for outbreak investigation. Conclusion An IPACe was highly valued by fellow learners and narrative assessments identified key areas for further focus. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Di Pilato ◽  
Giulia Codda ◽  
Lorenzo Ball ◽  
Daniele Roberto Giacobbe ◽  
Edward Willison ◽  
...  

Candida auris is an emerging MDR pathogen raising major concerns worldwide. In Italy, it was first and only identified in July 2019 in our hospital (San Martino Hospital, Genoa), where infection or colonization cases have been increasingly recognized during the following months. To gain insights into the introduction, transmission dynamics, and resistance traits of this fungal pathogen, consecutive C. auris isolates collected from July 2019 to May 2020 (n = 10) were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and antifungal susceptibility testing (AST); patients’ clinical and trace data were also collected. WGS resolved all isolates within the genetic clade I (South Asian) and showed that all but one were part of a cluster likely stemming from the index case. Phylogenetic molecular clock analyses predicted a recent introduction (May 2019) in the hospital setting and suggested that most transmissions were associated with a ward converted to a COVID-19-dedicated ICU during the pandemic. All isolates were resistant to amphotericin B, voriconazole, and fluconazole at high-level, owing to mutations in ERG11(K143R) and TACB1(A640V). Present data demonstrated that the introduction of MDR C. auris in Italy was a recent event and suggested that its spread could have been facilitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued efforts to implement stringent infection prevention and control strategies are warranted to limit the spread of this emerging pathogen within the healthcare system.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Poremski ◽  
Sandra Henrietta Subner ◽  
Grace Lam Fong Kin ◽  
Raveen Dev Ram Dev ◽  
Mok Yee Ming ◽  
...  

The Institute of Mental Health in Singapore continues to attempt to prevent the introduction of COVID-19, despite community transmission. Essential services are maintained and quarantine measures are currently unnecessary. To help similar organizations, strategies are listed along three themes: sustaining essential services, preventing infection, and managing human and consumable resources.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Walelegn Worku Yallew ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Feleke Moges Yehuala

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.


2021 ◽  
pp. 175717742110127
Author(s):  
Salma Abbas ◽  
Faisal Sultan

Background: Patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities during outbreaks hinges on a prompt infection prevention and control response. Physicians leading these programmes have encountered numerous obstacles during the pandemic. Aim/objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate infection prevention and control practices and explore the challenges in Pakistan during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and administered a survey to physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes at 18 hospitals in Pakistan. Results: All participants implemented universal masking, limited the intake of patients and designated separate triage areas, wards and intensive care units for coronavirus disease 2019 patients at their hospitals. Eleven (61%) physicians reported personal protective equipment shortages. Staff at three (17%) hospitals worked without the appropriate personal protective equipment due to limited supplies. All participants felt overworked and 17 (94%) reported stress. Physicians identified the lack of negative pressure rooms, fear and anxiety among hospital staff, rapidly evolving guidelines, personal protective equipment shortages and opposition from hospital staff regarding the choice of recommended personal protective equipment as major challenges during the pandemic. Discussion: The results of this study highlight the challenges faced by physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes in Pakistan. It is essential to support infection prevention and control personnel and bridge the identified gaps to ensure patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities.


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