scholarly journals Tuberculosis in Healthcare Workers and Infection Control Measures at Primary Healthcare Facilities in South Africa

PLoS ONE ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e76272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mareli M. Claassens ◽  
Cari van Schalkwyk ◽  
Elizabeth du Toit ◽  
Eline Roest ◽  
Carl J. Lombard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Infection Control Measures

scholarly journals Management of a Hospital-Wide COVID-19 Outbreak Affecting Patients and Healthcare Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (12) ◽  
pp. 2540-2545
Author(s):  
Steffen Höring ◽  
René Fussen ◽  
Johannes Neusser ◽  
Michael Kleines ◽  
Thea Laurentius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Spatial Separation ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Hospital Workers ◽  
Infection Control Team ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Control Team

AbstractTo the best of our knowledge, here, we describe the first hospital-wide outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 that occurred in Germany in April 2020. We aim to share our experience in order to facilitate the management of nosocomial COVID-19 outbreaks in healthcare facilities. All patients and hospital workers were screened for SARS-CoV-2 repeatedly. An infection control team on the side was installed. Strict spatial separation of patients and intensified hygiene training of healthcare workers (HCW) were initiated. By the time of reporting, 26 patients and 21 hospital workers were infected with a cluster of cases in the geriatric department. Fourteen patients developed COVID-19 consistent symptoms and five patients with severe pre-existing medical conditions died. The outbreak was successfully contained after intensified infection control measures were implemented and no further cases among patients were detected over a period of 14 days. Strict application of standard infection control measures proved to be successful in the management of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.

scholarly journals Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections?

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 3444
Author(s):  
Joji Abraham ◽  
Kim Dowling ◽  
Singarayer Florentine
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Copper Alloys ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Infection Control Measures

Pathogen transfer and infection in the built environment are globally significant events, leading to the spread of disease and an increase in subsequent morbidity and mortality rates. There are numerous strategies followed in healthcare facilities to minimize pathogen transfer, but complete infection control has not, as yet, been achieved. However, based on traditional use in many cultures, the introduction of copper products and surfaces to significantly and positively retard pathogen transmission invites further investigation. For example, many microbes are rendered unviable upon contact exposure to copper or copper alloys, either immediately or within a short time. In addition, many disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, hospital superbugs, and several viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) are also susceptible to exposure to copper surfaces. It is thus suggested that replacing common touch surfaces in healthcare facilities, food industries, and public places (including public transport) with copper or alloys of copper may substantially contribute to limiting transmission. Subsequent hospital admissions and mortality rates will consequently be lowered, with a concomitant saving of lives and considerable levels of resources. This consideration is very significant in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming epidemics, as it is becoming clear that all forms of possible infection control measures should be practiced in order to protect community well-being and promote healthy outcomes.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Critical Care Simulations: An International Cross-sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad-Hani Temsah ◽  
Abdulkarim Alrabiaah ◽  
Ayman Al-Eyadhy ◽  
Fahad Al-Sohime ◽  
Abdullah Al Huzaimi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Team Leaders ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Transport ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Better Than

Abstract Background: Many healthcare systems initiated rapid training with COVID-19 simulations for their healthcare workers (HCWs) to build surge capacity and optimize infection control measures. This study aimed to describe COVID-19 simulation drills in international healthcare centers. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey among simulation team leaders and HCWs, based on each center's debriefing reports from simulation centers from 30 countries in all WHO regions where COVID-19 simulation drills were conducted. The primary outcome measures were the COVID-19 simulations' characteristics, outcomes, facilitators, obstacles, and challenges encountered during the simulation sessions. Results: Invitation was sent to 500 simulation team leaders and HCWs, and 343 responded. Those who completed the study comprised 121 participants: 62.8% females; 56.2% physicians; 41.3% from East Mediterranean (EMRO) countries; 25.6% from Southeast Asian countries (SERO); and 12.4% from Europe. The frequency of simulation sessions was monthly (27.1%), weekly (24.8%), twice weekly (19.8%), or daily (21.5%). Among participants, 55.6% reported the team's full engagement in the simulation sessions. The average session length was 30–60 minutes. The most commonly reported debriefing leaders were ICU staff, simulation lab staff, and E.R. facilitators, and the least common were infection control staff. A total of 80% reported "a lot" to "a great improvement" in terms of clinical preparedness after simulation sessions, and 70% were satisfied with the COVID-19 simulation sessions and thought they were better than expected. Most of the perceived issues reported were related to infection control measures, followed by team dynamics, logistics, and patient transport issues. Conclusion: Simulation centers team leaders and HCWs reported positive feedback on COVID-19 simulation sessions. The presence of multiprofessional personnel during drills is warranted. These drills are a valuable tool for rehearsing safe dynamics of HCWs on the frontline of COVID-19.Trial registration: Not applicable.

scholarly journals Latent tuberculosis infection in healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries: an updated systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 1801789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lika Apriani ◽  
Susan McAllister ◽  
Katrina Sharples ◽  
Bachti Alisjahbana ◽  
Rovina Ruslami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Latent Tuberculosis ◽  
Annual Incidence ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Increased Risk

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) and TB disease.We conducted an updated systematic review of the prevalence and incidence of LTBI in HCWs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), associated factors, and infection control practices. We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science (January 1, 2005–June 20, 2017) for studies published in any language. We obtained pooled estimates using random effects methods and investigated heterogeneity using meta-regression.85 studies (32 630 subjects) were included from 26 LMICs. Prevalence of a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) was 14–98% (mean 49%); prevalence of a positive interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) was 9–86% (mean 39%). Countries with TB incidence ≥300 per 100 000 had the highest prevalence (TST: pooled estimate 55%, 95% CI 41–69%; IGRA: pooled estimate 56%, 95% CI 39–73%). Annual incidence estimated from the TST was 1–38% (mean 17%); annual incidence estimated from the IGRA was 10–30% (mean 18%). The prevalence and incidence of a positive test was associated with years of work, work location, TB contact and job category. Only 15 studies reported on infection control measures in healthcare facilities, with limited implementation.HCWs in LMICs in high TB incidence settings remain at increased risk of acquiring LTBI. There is an urgent need for robust implementation of infection control measures.

Outbreak of Healthcare-Associated Infection and Colonization With Multidrug-ResistantSalmonella entericaSerovar Senftenberg in Florida

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 805-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn S. Kay ◽  
Alexander G. Vandevelde ◽  
Paul D. Fiorella ◽  
Rebecca Crouse ◽  
Carina Blackmore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infection ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Chronically Ill Patients

Background.In July 1999, a rare strain of multidrug-resistantSalmonella entericaserovar Senftenberg was isolated from the sputum of a trauma patient. Over a 6-year period (1999-2005) in northeast Florida, thisSalmonellaserovar spread to 66 other patients in 16 different healthcare facilities as a result of frequent transfers of patients among institutions. To our knowledge, this is the first outbreak of healthcare-associated infection and colonization with a fluoroquinolone-resistant strain of S. Senftenberg in the United States.Objectives.To investigate an outbreak of infection and colonization with an unusual strain of S. Senftenberg and assist with infection control measures.Design.A case series, outbreak investigation, and microbiological study of all samples positive forS.Senftenberg on culture.Setting.Cases ofS.Senftenberg infection and colonization occurred in hospitals and long-term care facilities in 2 counties in northeast Florida.Results.The affected patients were mostly elderly persons with multiple medical conditions. They were frequently transferred between healthcare facilities. ThisSalmonellaserovar was capable of long-term colonization of chronically ill patients. AllS.Senftenberg isolates tested shared a similar pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern.Conclusion.A prolonged outbreak of infection and colonization with multidrug-resistantS.Senftenberg was identified in several healthcare facilities throughout the Jacksonville, Florida, area and became established when infection control measures failed. The bacterial agent was capable of long-term colonization in chronically ill patients. Because the dispersal pattern of this strain suggested a breakdown of infection control practices, a multipronged intervention approach was undertaken that included intense education of personnel in the different institutions, interinstitutional cooperation, and transfer paperwork notification.

scholarly journals Effect of COVID-19 stressors on healthcare workers’ performance and attitude at Suez Canal university hospitals

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Goda Elbqry ◽  
Fatma Mohmed Elmansy ◽  
Abeer Ezzat Elsayed ◽  
Bassam Mansour ◽  
Ashraf Tantawy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Psychological Stress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Satisfactory Level ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Psychological Stressor

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 is an emerging respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus effect on 10-20% of total healthcare workers and was first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. This study was designed to assess effect of COVID-19 stressors on healthcare workers’ performance and attitude. A descriptive cross sectional research design was used. A convenient sample (all available healthcare workers) physicians “112,”, nurses “183,” pharmacists “31,” and laboratory technicians “38” was participated to conduct aim of the study. Utilize the study with two tools; online self-administrated questionnaire to assess level of knowledge, attitude, and infection control measures regarding coronavirus disease 2019 and COVID-19 stress scales to assess the varied stressors among healthcare workers. Results More than three quarter of the studied participants had satisfactory level of knowledge and infection control measures. Approximately all of the studied participants had positive attitude regarding COVID-19. A total of 57.4% of the studied medical participants had moderate COVID-19 psychological stress levels, while 49.1% of the studied paramedical participants had moderate COVID-19 psychological stress levels. But less than one quarter had severe COVID-19 psychological stress levels. There is a significant correlation between COVID-19 psychological stressor levels and satisfactory level of knowledge among medical participants. Conclusion/implications for practice Most of healthcare workers had satisfactory level of knowledge, infection control measures, and positive attitude regarding COVID-19. Most of them had moderate COVID-19 psychological stress levels.

scholarly journals Analyzing Healthcare Workers’ Perspectives on Healthcare-Associated Infections and Infection Control Practices Using Video Reflexive Ethnography (VRE)

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s116-s116
Author(s):  
Esther Paul ◽  
Ibrahim Alzaydani ◽  
Ahmed Hakami ◽  
Harish C. Chandramoorthy
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Hygiene Measures ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Background: This study explores the perspectives of healthcare workers on the healthcare-associated infection (HAI) and infection control measures in a tertiary-care unit, through a self-administered questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and reflexive sessions based on video-recorded sterile procedures performed in respondents’ work contexts. Video reflexive ethnography (VRE) is a method that provides feedback to medical practitioners through reflection analysis, whereby practitioners identify problems and find solutions. Methods: Quantitative questionnaire data were used to assess the knowledge of HAI among 50 healthcare workers and their attitude toward practice of infection control measures. Semistructured interviews based on an interview guide were used to collect qualitative data from 25 doctors and nurses. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim immediately. Also, routine sterile procedures in the wards and intensive care unit were video recorded, and the footage was discussed by the infection control team and the personnel involved in the videos. This discussion was video recorded and transcribed. Both interview data and reflexive discussion of video-graph were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The quantitative data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The quantitative data revealed no difference in the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores used to evaluate the infection control practices among the healthcare workers. We identified 4 themes from the qualitative data: (1) knowledge of HAI and infection control, (2) infection control measures in practice, (3) the shortfall in infection control measures and HAI, and (4) required implementation. Although the qualitative data indicated that the participants had excellent compliance with hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) use, the VRE and reflective sessions indicated otherwise. Some astounding lapses were revealed, like failure to engage in boundary maintenance between sterile and nonsterile areas, failure to observe proper hand hygiene measures, and use of traditional hijab face covers (used in an unsterile environment as well) instead of surgical masks. These findings demonstrate the advantage of combining VRE with qualitative and quantitative methodology to deduct the lapses in the practice of infection control among healthcare workers. Conclusions: Introduction of training programs focused on HAI and infection control measures in the educational system will help better inform medical and nursing students. Live video demonstrations of appropriate infection control practices during sterile procedures would be highly beneficial to educate the healthcare workers on correct infection control practices. Lapses in the use of PPE can be a possible reason for the outbreak of MERS-CoV, an endemic disease, in this part of Saudi Arabia.Disclosures: NoneFunding: None

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