A mask-based infection control method for screening endoscopy may prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission and relieve staff anxiety

Objectives: Endoscopy confers high risk for acquiring coronavirus disease 2019. Although guidelines recommend that medical staff use personal protective equipment, no infection control equipment have been established for patients. This study aimed to clarify the usefulness of two face masks we had designed for transnasal and transoral endoscopy. Methods: The efficacy of the masks was evaluated by simulating coughing in a mannequin with fluorescent dyes and mapping the droplet trajectory and number. The number of aerosols generated during endoscopy was clinically evaluated in the endoscopy room. Overall, 4356 screening endoscopies were performed with the patients wearing our masks at Medcity21, a health checkup facility, between June and December 2020; the effects of the masks on the patient’s condition were evaluated retrospectively. An 11-item paper-based survey was performed by the endoscopy staff 6 months after the adoption of the mask-based infection control method. Results: Use of both masks reduced the number of droplets released during the simulation. Clinically, the use of both masks did not affect the patients’ conditions during endoscopy and prevented an increase in the aerosols in the endoscopy room. This mask-based infection control method was favorably received, and all staff indicated that understanding the efficacy of our mask-based infection control reduced their anxiety regarding infection. Until December 2020, none of our staff had contracted SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: Our mask-based infection control method is easy to adopt, inexpensive, and effective; understanding its effectiveness may help ease the fear of infection among endoscopy staff.

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Infection control in operating rooms for COVID-19 patients

Journal of Korean Medical Association ◽

10.5124/jkma.2021.64.7.491 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 64 (7) ◽

pp. 491-498

Author(s):

Seong Su Lee ◽

Su Jin Kim ◽

Jong Eun Jung ◽

Gunn Hee Kim ◽

Mi Young Kwon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Infection Control ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Medical Staff ◽

High Efficiency ◽

Anesthetic Management ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Risk Of Infection ◽

Very High

Background: Surgeries performed for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) place the medical staff at very high risk of infection. We suggest recommendations for appropriate operation preparation, anesthetic management, and infection control for COVID-19 patients in operating rooms.Current Concepts: Surgeries must be performed in an airborne infection isolation room, such as a negative-pressure operating room. It is recommended that scheduled surgeries for COVID-19 patients be postponed to an acceptable extent, with the exception of emergency cases. Moreover, the number of medical staff participating in the surgery should be minimized. Medical staffs should practice proper hand hygiene and wear an appropriate level of personal protective equipment depending on the infection risk. While performing surgery and inducing anesthesia in COVID-19 patients, endotracheal intubation should be performed by trained anesthesiologists with a video laryngoscope, preferably using high-efficiency viral filters, which can prevent contamination in the anesthesia machine. Use of disposable equipment or COVID-19 patient-specific devices is recommended to prevent the spread of infection, but instruments that require sharing among multiple patients must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before their use for the next patient.Discussion and Conclusion: Medical staff performing surgeries for COVID-19 patients are at very high risk of infection. Therefore, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, high-efficiency viral filters in breathing circuits during anesthesia, and disinfection of contaminated equipment after the operation are mandatory.

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Dentists’ Knowledge and Practice of the Notification Protocol of the Ministry of Health in Dealing With COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in Khuzestan

Jundishapur Journal of Chronic Disease Care ◽

10.5812/jjcdc.112603 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol In Press (In Press) ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Shooriabi ◽

Sedigheh Modarres Mousavy

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Control Method ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Dental Clinic ◽

Ministry Of Health ◽

Dental Clinics ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Group Members

Background: The number of patients suffering coronavirus (COVID-19) is increasing worldwide, and given that there is now no vaccine against this virus, the best prevention technique is to observe health protocols and social distancing. This issue is of paramount importance in dentistry clinics. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dentists in Ahvaz regarding COVID-19. Methods: The study population encompassed all dentists who were the WhatsApp group members of the Iranian Dental Association in Ahvaz, Iran. The online questionnaire link was shared on the social network on October 1, and the member dentists were asked to answer the questionnaire addressing demographic characteristics, knowledge about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 disease, virus transmission method, and infection control method. These items assessed the dentists’ attitude and practice in the treatment procedure of the COVID-19 patients. Results: Out of 227 group members, 171 dentists observed the questionnaire link, and 108 persons answered the questions. Most of the respondents were 40-49 years old and male. Moreover, 19% of the participants had dentistry specialization, 60% of the dentists had received no training on infection control in dentistry, 66% of these individuals had passed the COVID-19 training course, and 23% of the dentists believed that the COVID-19 incubation period was 7-14 days. Most of the dentists were aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and the diagnosis techniques for patients with COVID-19. They correctly reported the disease transmission and the disease prevention methods in the dental clinic. The dentists acted differently in using personal equipment, and only 75% of these individuals used the N95 Mask during the treatment of patients. About 13% of the dentists did not study the protocol proposed by the Ministry of Health for reopening the dental clinic during the COVID-19 outbreak period. Conclusions: The Ahvazian dentists are aware of the symptoms of COVID-19, its transmission, and the infection control protocol in dental clinics. However, they did not fully observe the protocols on wearing personal protective equipment for themselves and clinic staff; hence, barriers to using personal protective equipment should be eliminated, and the implementation of the protocols in dental clinics should be monitored more strictly.

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Motivating factors of infection control in nurse practice

SHS Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/shsconf/20185102010 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 51 ◽

pp. 02010

Author(s):

Diana Platace ◽

Inga Millere

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Infection Control ◽

Patient Care ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Care Process ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Motivating Factors ◽

Health Maintenance ◽

Control Rules

Hospitals in developed countries for more than 170 years have been studying and validating a variety of methods for staff motivation: education at work, distributed leaflets, seminars and lectures, provided the necessary equipment and personal protective equipment as well as surveillance and control provided by the hospital epidemiological service. No less important role nurses play in the motivation of psychological factors, such as attitudes, habits, stress and tolerance. Aim – to explore the motivating factors of infection control in nurse practice. The study used qualitative research method – structured interview (n = 36) and a quantitative study – questionnaires (n = 230). Questionnaires engaged 98 intensive care nurses and 132 surgical nurses. Results – most of the nurses (62.2%) regularly improved their knowledge of infection control. Infection control rules in their work regularly used 86.1% of respondents, while 13.9% of respondents irregularly applied infection control within the patient care process, posing a threat to their own health as well as to patient's health. Nurses noted several motivating factors for infection control, for example, the importance of the rules in patient care (94.3%), availability of infection control rules in the ward (92.6%), regular supervision provided by head nurse (84.8%), positive attitude of colleagues (80.4%), availability of the necessary equipment and personal protective equipment, understandable and simple rules for infection control, sufficient time for infection control in patient care, adequate infection control and surveillance in high risk units, provided by the hospital epidemiological service. The most frequently mentioned reasons for breaking the infection control rules were increased workload and burnout, as well as the lack of understanding of the importance of infection control in patients’ health maintenance and inappropriate attitude. Conclusions – the study suggests that in high-risk units there are different motivating factors of infection control, such as the necessary equipment and personal protective equipment, comprehensibility and accessibility of infection control rules, infection control and surveillance provided by the hospital epidemiological service. And at the same time, there are factors that disturb nurses’ motivation, such as an increased workload, lack of awareness of infection control in practice and inappropriate attitude.

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478. Psychological Distress among Infectious Disease Physicians during the Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Republic of Korea

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.671 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S305-S305

Author(s):

Se Yoon Park ◽

Bongyoung Kim ◽

Dong Sik Jung ◽

Sook In Jung ◽

Won Sup Oh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infectious Disease ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Infection Control ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Text Message ◽

Disease Outbreaks ◽

Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽

Republic Of Korea ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

The Republic

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate psychological distress among infectious disease (ID) physicians during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the Republic of Korea. Methods Using an online-based survey link sent via text message and email, we conducted a survey from April 21 to 25, 2020, targeting all ID physicians currently working in ID (n = 265). The questionnaire was based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, and information was collected on factors protecting against psychological distress and difficulties in relation to COVID-19. Results Of 265 ID physicians, 115 (43.3%) responded, showing burnout (97, 90.4%), depression (20, 17.4%), anxiety (23, 20.0%), and stress (5, 4.3%). There were no differences in terms of distress between ID physicians who were directly involved in the care of patients with COVID-19 or not (Table 1). Greater than 50% of physicians valued their work and felt recognized by others, whereas < 10% indicated that sufficient human and financial support and private time had been provided during the outbreak. The most challenging issues concerned a lack of human resources for COVID-19 treatment or infection control, a shortage of personal protective equipment or airborne infection isolation rooms, pressure for research, and lack of guidelines for COVID-19 management (Figure 1). Table 1. Figure 1. Difficulties in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Abbreviations: COVID-19, coronavirus disease 19; HCWs, healthcare workers; ICPs, infection control practitioners; IRB, Institutional Review Board; PPE, personal protective equipment Conclusion During the COVID-19 outbreak in the ROK, most respondents reported psychological distress. Preparing strategies for infectious disease outbreaks that support ID physicians is essential. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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Cost-effectiveness analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention strategies including pre-endoscopic virus testing and use of high risk personal protective equipment

Endoscopy ◽

10.1055/a-1294-0427 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alanna Ebigbo ◽

Christoph Römmele ◽

Christina Bartenschlager ◽

Selin Temizel ◽

Elisabeth Kling ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

High Risk ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

High Volume ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Prevention Strategies ◽

Universal Testing ◽

Asymptomatic Patients

Abstract Background Infection prevention strategies to protect healthcare workers in endoscopy units during the post-peak phase of the COVID-19 pandemic are currently under intense discussion. In this paper, the cost-effectiveness of routine pre-endoscopy testing and high risk personal protective equipment (PPE) is addressed. Method A model based on theoretical assumptions of 10 000 asymptomatic patients presenting to a high volume center was created. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and absolute costs per endoscopy were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation. Results ICER values for universal testing decreased with increasing prevalence rates. For higher prevalence rates (≥ 1 %), ICER values were lowest for routine pre-endoscopy testing coupled with use of high risk PPE, while cost per endoscopy was lowest for routine use of high risk PPE without universal testing. Conclusion In general, routine pre-endoscopy testing combined with high risk PPE becomes more cost-effective with rising prevalence rates of COVID-19.

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COVID-19 in schools: Infection control, personal protective equipment and the latest CPR advice

British Journal of Child Health ◽

10.12968/chhe.2020.1.3.129 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

pp. 129-132

Author(s):

Emma Hammett

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Educational Settings

There are a number of challenges in order to safely return more children to school. Emma Hammett provides an overview of the latest guidance on infection control, personal protective equipment and CPR for educational settings.

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Retrospective Study on Personal Protective Equipment During Pandemic Link to Outbreak of Carbpenem-Resistant Enterobacteriace

Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ash.2021.17 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (S1) ◽

pp. s9-s10

Author(s):

Kenisha Evans ◽

Jennifer LeRose ◽

Angela Beatriz Cruz ◽

Lavina Jabbo ◽

Teena Chopra

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Study ◽

Infection Control ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Horizontal Transmission ◽

Control Measures ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Local Health ◽

Infection Rates ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

The Impact

Background: In 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), had cost the lives of >35,000 patients, particularly the most virulent plasmid-mediated New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM). Although healthcare systems normally have strict surveillance and infection control measures for CRE, the rapid emergence of novel SAR-CoV-2 and COVID-19 led to a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies. As a result, routine infection practices, such as contact precautions, were violated. Studies have shown this depletion and shift in resources compromised the control of infections such CRE leading to rising horizontal transmission. Method: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare system in Detroit, Michigan, to determine the impact of PPE shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic on NDM infection rates. The following periods were established during 2020 based on PPE availability: (1) pre-PPE shortage (January–June), (2) PPE shortage (July–October), and (3) post-PPE shortage (November–December). Rates of NDM per 10,000 patient days were compared between periods using the Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test. Isolates were confirmed resistant by NDM by molecular typing performed by the Michigan State Health Department. Patient characteristics were gathered by medical chart review and patient interviews by telephone. Results: Overall, the average rate of NDM infections was 1.82 ±1.5 per 10,000 patient days. Rates during the PPE shortage were significantly higher, averaging 3.6 ±1.1 cases per 10,000 patient days (P = .02). During this time, several infections occurred within patients on the same unit and/or patients with same treating team, suggesting possible horizontal transmission. Once PPE stock was replenished and isolation practices were reinstated, NDM infection rates decreased to 0.77 ±1.1 per 10,000 patient days. Conclusion: Control of CRE requires strategic planning with active surveillance, antimicrobial constructs, and infection control measures. The study illustrates that in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the burden of effective infection control requires much more multidisciplinary efforts to prevent unintentional lapses in patient safety. A swift response by the state and local health departments at a tertiary-care healthcare center conveyed a positive mitigation of the highest clinical threats and decreased horizontal transmission of disease.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

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Personal Protective Equipment used for Infection Control in Dental Practices

International Journal of Research Foundation of Hospital and Health Care Administration ◽

10.5005/jp-journals-10035-1030 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 10-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

AP Pandit ◽

Neha Bhagatkar ◽

Mallika Ramachandran

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Low Cost ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Dental Equipment ◽

Dental Practices ◽

A Current ◽

Dental Professionals ◽

Total Market ◽

Dental Products

ABSTRACT The potential size of India's dental market is vast and is expected to become one of the largest single country markets for overseas dental products and materials. The total market for the dental equipment and materials is estimated to be around US$ 90 million annually. There are more than 1, 80,000 dental professionals in India, 297 dental institutes and over 5,000 dental laboratories. Thus, there is a huge potential for the market of personal protective equipment (PPE) used for infection control in dentistry. India's market for dental products is extremely dynamic, with a current estimated growth rate of between 25 and 30%. Overall, the dental market is expected to grow by 20%.1 The personal protective equipment used in the practice of dentistry in India. Since dentistry is predominantly a surgical discipline, it leads to exposure to the pathogenic microorganisms harbored in blood, body fluids and other potentially infectious material. Thus, the use of adequate and good quality PPE is imperative for infection control in dental practice. With the growing potential of India's dental market, the growth of the market for PPE is inevitable. But, it is equally important to raise the awareness among dental community about good quality products adhering to required standards to prevent the usage of low-cost, uncertified and sub-standard products that decrease the safety levels of personnel. The present study is conducted with a view to observe the personal protective equipment used for infection control in dental practices. How to cite this article Pandit AP, Bhagatkar N, Ramachandran M. Personal Protective Equipment used for Infection Control in Dental Practices. Int J Res Foundation Hosp Healthc Adm 2015;3(1):10-12.

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The challenge of infection control in patients' homes

British Journal of Community Nursing ◽

10.12968/bjcn.2021.26.4.168 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 168-174

Author(s):

Drew Payne ◽

Martin Peache

Keyword(s):

Infectious Disease ◽

Disease Management ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

Infection Control ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Cross Infection ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Unique Challenge ◽

Clinical Equipment

Infection control is the responsibility of all nurses, but, traditionally, it has been seen as a priority only in hospitals. Infection control does not stop when a patient is discharged home, but should be practiced wherever clinical care takes place. Community nurses face a unique challenge as they work in patients' homes, and they must manage infection control in that unique environment. This article looks at practical ways to maintain infection control in patients' homes. It covers hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE), including the five moments of hand hygiene, appropriate hand hygiene, the use of all PPE and when gloves are required and when they are not. It also discusses managing clinical equipment, both that taken into the home and that left with a patient, including decontamination, safe storage of sharps and waste management. It touches upon what can be done in a patient's home to reduce the risk of contamination, as well as infectious disease management, including specimens and wound infection management. Lastly, it talks about cross-infection and why staff health is also important.

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An anaesthetic and intensive care perspective on infection control measures for the prevention of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2

British Journal of Hospital Medicine ◽

10.12968/hmed.2020.0538 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 81 (9) ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Hazel R O'Mahony ◽

Daniel S Martin

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Respiratory Viruses ◽

Control Measures ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Appropriate Use ◽

Airborne Transmission ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Current Guidance

Guidance regarding appropriate use of personal protective equipment in hospitals is in constant flux as research into SARS-COV-2 transmission continues to develop our understanding of the virus. The risk associated with procedures classed as ‘aerosol generating’ is under constant debate. Current guidance is largely based on pragmatic and cautious logic, as there is little scientific evidence of aerosolization and transmission of respiratory viruses associated with procedures. The physical properties of aerosol particles which may contain viable virus have implications for the safe use of personal protective equipment and infection control protocols. As elective work in the NHS is reinstated, it is important that the implications of the possibility of airborne transmission of the virus in hospitals are more widely understood. This will facilitate appropriate use of personal protective equipment and help direct further research into the true risks of aerosolization during these procedures to allow safe streamlining of services for staff and patients.

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