scholarly journals How to Reduce Misinterpretation of Quantitative Infection Risk by Assessment Parameters Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Rassow
Keyword(s):  
German Law ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Acute Infections ◽  
Large Fluctuations ◽  
Sources Of Infection ◽  
Comparison Of The Results

Introduction: The quantitative information on the risk of infection in the COVID-19 pandemic is calculated currently exclusively on the base of new infections per day, which only contribute 6.60%±1.34% to the 100% contagious acute infections and are, therefore, not proportional to the risk of infection. All methods and results presented here are shown for data in Germany, but can be transferred to any other region worldwide. Methods: More precise parameters as are used at present, are based on acute infections: stress index with information about the distance to the stress limit of the health system, the density of the sources of infection and the change in acute infections during the last 5 days are suggested here. Results: The comparison of the results of the current and the new assessment parameters shows that large daily fluctuations in new infections of up to ±22% lead to unnecessary uncertainties. The new assessment parameters are correspondingly more precise. The 7-days incidence warning thresholds introduced by German law in November 2020 and April 2021 are defined on the base of new infections. As a result, the real infection risks can be incorrectly assessed due to the large fluctuations of the 7-days incidence values up to ±23%, so that legal conflicts can arise if legally prescribed protective measures are objectively unjustified or introduced too late. Conclusion: By moving from new infections to acute infections as a base for calculation, infection risks can be described more precisely and even unjustified, expensive protective measures can be avoided.

scholarly journals EXPOSICIÓN Y RIESGO OCUPACIONAL DE COVID-19 EN ESTUDIANTES, DOCENTES Y PROFESIONALES DE LA SALUD.

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-41
Author(s):  
Alberto Narváez Olalla ◽  
Jonathan Melena Zapata ◽  
Jhon Guerrero González ◽  
Diana Solís Cárdenas ◽  
Lilian Calderón Layedra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Risk ◽  
Occupational Group ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Occupational Risks ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Correct Implementation

IntroductionHealth professional’s exposure to the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) as well as their risk of acquiring COVID-19 “its associated disease”, has been higher compared to other population groups. Nevertheless, the correct implementation of biosecurity measures could reduce their infection risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the availability of personal protective equipment “PPE”, occupational risks and its relationship with COVID-19 in health professionals.Patients and methods603 subjects among students, teachers, and health professionals were included in a cross-sectional descriptive observational study. Occupational exposure and incidence of COVID-19 were the main measurements. ResultsMost of the subjects were women (73.5%) and young adults (92.6%) and 23.55% (95% CI 20.3-27.1) referred a diagnosis of COVID-19 (15% confirmed, 8% suspected). People who worked in Pichincha’s province and those who did not have soap presented a higher risk of COVID-19 infection (adjusted OR= 2.85 and 2.68 respectively). Contact with confirmed and suspicious cases were the variables that were associated with the highest risk of infection (adjusted OR= 9.28 and 3.07 respectively).Conclusions The high incidence of COVID-19 in the subjects was associated with PPE deficiencies. Health professional’s protection must be a priority for health and labor authorities, who must also provide the PPE and necessary supplies. A periodic screening in this occupational group to assess the impact of protective measures and analyze the implementation of necessary corrections.is recommended.

Multiclonal outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections on a collegiate football team

2008 ◽  
Vol 137 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. HALL ◽  
D. BIXLER ◽  
L. E. HADDY
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Soft Tissue Infections ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
Football Team ◽  
Mrsa Strains ◽  
Collegiate Football

SUMMARYAn outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) occurred in a college football team in August 2006. Of 109 players on the team roster, 88 (81%) were interviewed during a cohort investigation. Twenty-five cases were identified, six of which were culture-confirmed. Available culture isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), which identified two different MRSA strains associated with the outbreak. Playing positions with the most physical contact (offensive linemen, defensive linemen, and tight ends) had the greatest risk of infection [risk ratio (RR) 5·1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·3–11·5. Other risk factors included recent skin trauma (RR 1·9, 95% CI 0·95–3·7), use of therapeutic hydrocollator packs (RR 2·5, 95% CI 1·1–5·7), and miscellaneous training equipment use (RR 2·1, 95% CI 1·1–4·1). The outbreak was successfully controlled through team education and implementation of improved infection-control practices and hygiene policies.

Since blood transfusion is linked to the magnitude of the surgical procedure, comparing transfused patients to untransfused patients will always be confounded by infection risks due to factors related to the procedure. To control for these factors one must compare patients transfused with red cells from different sources or prepared in a manner which minimize infection risk. Patients transfused with homologous blood have infection rates several fold higher than recipients of equal values of autologous blood undergoing the same operative procedure (20-23). Homologous blood recipients have significantly longer hospital stays attributed to treating infections. The cost of a blood transfusion exceeds the cost of collection, storage and administration because of transfusion's association with length of stay. In this era of cost-containment the association with prolonged stay may ultimately curtail the use of blood. Homologous blood can be filtered to remove donor leukocytes which may be contributing to immune suppression and infection risk. A prospective randomized trial comparing the infection rates among colorectal cancer patients receiving filtered and unfiltered blood has been conducted (9). There were 17 infectious complications among the 56 recipients of whole blood and one infectious complication among the 48 recipients of filtered blood. Infections were prevented by the seemingly simplistic addition of a $25/filter to every bag of blood transfused. These clinical studies are very convincing: homologous blood transfusion is associated with increased risk of infection in every clinical situation examined. In multivariate analyses transfusion was a significant predictor of infection after consideration of other variables measured and in the majority of those studies transfusion was the single most significant factor. Patients receiving homologous blood exhibited an incidence of infectious complications that was approximately four times higher than patients receiving autologous blood. The association of transfusion with infection is found among patients undergoing surgery for cardiac, orthopedic and gastrointestinal disorders and for trauma as well as among unoperated patients transfused for bums and gastrointestinal bleeding. The observation that nosocomial infections are increased in these studies argues strongly that the association of transfusion with infection is not simply a reflection of transfusion as a marker of tissue destruction and contamination. Infections that develop in transfused patients away from the site of trauma or in the absence of trauma, cannot be attributed to the quantity of tissue destroyed or to the degree of bacterial contamination. Filtered blood can remove leukocytes and prevent postoperative infections. Since filtering blood can significantly reduce the incidence of infection among transfused patients, all transfused blood will be passing through filters in the very near future. EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES RELATING BLOOD TRANSFUSION TO INCREASED RISK OF INFECTION Patients are extremely heterogeneous and even in prospective randomized trials, factors which influence patients' participation affect the outcome despite double-blinding and randomization. In animal studies using syngeneic strains with identical housing, lighting, access to food and water, control over the extent of injury, use of antibiotics and exposure to other variables the influence of a single variable such as blood transfusion can be measured. Dr. Waymack's laboratory has intensively studied parameters which interact with transfusion in

1995 ◽  
pp. 296-296
Keyword(s):  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Autologous Blood ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Infectious Complications ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Homologous Blood ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Cost

scholarly journals A Risk Assessment Tool for Resumption of Research Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne M Simkovich ◽  
Lisa M. Thompson ◽  
Maggie Clark ◽  
Kalpana Balakrishnan ◽  
Alejandra Bussalleu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Risk Levels ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Environmental Health Research ◽  
Need To Evaluate

Abstract Rationale: The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has suspended many non-COVID-19 related research activities. Where restarting research activities is permitted, investigators need to evaluate the risks and benefits of resuming data collection and adapt procedures to minimize risk. Objectives: In the context of the multicountry Household Air Pollution Intervention (HAPIN) trial, we developed a framework to assess the risk of each trial activity and to guide protective measures. Our goal is to maximize integrity of reseach aims while minimizing infection risk based on the latest understanding of the virus. Methods: We drew on a combination of expert consultations, risk assessment frameworks, institutional guidance and literature to develop our framework. We then systematically graded clinical, behavioral, laboratory and field environmental health research activities in four countries for both adult and child subjects using this framework. Results: Our framework assesses risk based on staff proximity to the participant, exposure time between staff and participants, and potential aerosolization while performing the activity. One of of four risk levels, from minimal to unacceptable, is assigned and guidance on protective measures is provided. Those activities which can potentially aerosolize the virus are deemed the highest risk. Conclusions: By applying a systematic, procedure-specific approach to risk assessment for each trial activity, we can compare trial activities using the same criteria. This approach allows us to protect our participants and research team and to uphold our ability to deliver on the research commitments we have made to our participants, local communities, and funders. The trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02944682).

scholarly journals Changing radiotherapy review practice in response to COVID-19 in a radiotherapy satellite centre

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 312-314
Author(s):  
Tracy Mason ◽  
Rachael Bennett ◽  
Alison White ◽  
Agata Rembielak
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Delivery Of Care ◽  
Safe Delivery ◽  
Satellite Centre ◽  
The World ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractBackground:The COVID-19 pandemic has required a rapid and evolving response in order to enable the continued delivery of radiotherapy, whilst effectively managing the risk of infection to patients and staff. In early March 2020, we were presented with the challenge of achieving safe delivery of care in clinical practice for a group of patients that are already at higher risk of morbidity from COVID-19 with only limited guidance.Purpose:This article outlines the adjustments made at The Christie at Oldham satellite centre in order to promote optimal care to our patients receiving radiotherapy, and to mitigate infection risk at the department for both patients and staff.Materials and Methods:We share insight into some of the evolving processes that our team have developed since March 2020 in promoting optimal care to patients receiving radiotherapy at The Christie at Oldham satellite centre. These include changes to the department floor, paper flow, supportive care and staffing.Results and Conclusions:As we continue to progress through this pandemic, we accept that there will be an ongoing journey of learning with adjustments to practice and evolving ‘new norm’, thereby ensuring we keep our patients and team safe and well. We also hoped that our experience would support radiotherapy-related practices in surges of the pandemic in other parts of the world or in case of the second wave.

scholarly journals Forecasting system for infection risk of phoma stem canker in selected regions of the Czech Republic in 2009–2011 

2014 ◽  
Vol 50 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 8-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Poslušná ◽  
E. Plachká
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Leaf Spot ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Stem Canker ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Phoma Stem Canker ◽  
Ascospore Release ◽  
Forecasting System

In the period 2009&ndash;2011 monitoring of the incidence of phoma stem canker was carried out at selected sites of the Czech Republic (&Scaron;umperk and Opava regions in North Moravia). The risk of infection was evaluated by assessing the autumn release of&nbsp;Leptosphaeria&nbsp;spp. ascospores and with the proPlant prediction model. In recent years, the incidence of phoma stem canker has been relatively low and this corresponded with the total count of ascospores released in the autumn period but not with an increased level of infection risk announced by the proPlant model. During the monitored period the ascospore concentration reached maximally 2 ascospores/1 m<sup>3</sup>&nbsp;per day. Maximum ascospore release was recorded in 2010 as a result of favourable weather conditions. The first incidence of phoma leaf spot has been observed in mid-October. The higher values of ascospores concentration were recorded in the Opava region, but the total number of the trapped ascospores was more often higher in the &Scaron;umperk region.&nbsp;

scholarly journals Cost–benefit analysis of surveillance for surgical site infection following caesarean section

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e036919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Wloch ◽  
Albert Jan Van Hoek ◽  
Nathan Green ◽  
Joanna Conneely ◽  
Pauline Harrington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Surgical Site Infection ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Surgical Site Infections ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Baseline Risk ◽  
Site Infection ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Surveillance Strategy

ObjectiveTo estimate the economic burden to the health service of surgical site infection following caesarean section and to identify potential savings achievable through implementation of a surveillance programme.DesignEconomic model to evaluate the costs and benefits of surveillance from community and hospital healthcare providers’ perspective.SettingEngland.ParticipantsWomen undergoing caesarean section in National Health Service hospitals.Main outcome measureCosts attributable to treatment and management of surgical site infection following caesarean section.ResultsThe costs (2010) for a hospital carrying out 800 caesarean sections a year based on infection risk of 9.6% were estimated at £18 914 (95% CI 11 521 to 29 499) with 28% accounted for by community care (£5370). With inflation to 2019 prices, this equates to an estimated cost of £5.0 m for all caesarean sections performed annually in England 2018–2019, approximately £1866 and £93 per infection managed in hospital and community, respectively. The cost of surveillance for a hospital for one calendar quarter was estimated as £3747 (2010 costs). Modelling a decrease in risk of infection of 30%, 20% or 10% between successive surveillance periods indicated that a variable intermittent surveillance strategy achieved higher or similar net savings than continuous surveillance. Breakeven was reached sooner with the variable surveillance strategy than continuous surveillance when the baseline risk of infection was 10% or 15% and smaller loses with a baseline risk of 5%.ConclusionSurveillance of surgical site infections after caesarean section with feedback of data to surgical teams offers a potentially effective means to reduce infection risk, improve patient experience and save money for the health service.

Assessment of Catheter-Associated Infection Risk with the Hickman Right Atrial Catheter

1984 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 226-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter C. Fuchs ◽  
Marie E. Gustafson ◽  
James T. King ◽  
Patrick T. Goodall
Keyword(s):  
Parenteral Nutrition ◽  
Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Cancer Chemotherapy ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Primary Indication ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Atrial Catheter ◽  
The Mean

AbstractOne hundred fifty Hickman right atrial catheters were inserted into 143 patients and were followed prospectively until removal. Primary indications for their use were: cancer chemotherapy (45), parenteral nutrition (35), antibiotic therapy (63), and miscellaneous (7). The overall catheter-associated infection rate was 12.0%. Since the mean duration of catheterization was 125 days, the infection/duration rate was 1.0/1,000 days of use. The risk of infection differed significantly according to the primary indication for catheterization: parenteral nutrition > antibiotic therapy > cancer chemotherapy. The increased risk of catheter-associated infection attributable to duration of catheterization was additive, and the per day risk of such infections remained constant regardless of duration. Nearly two-thirds of patients were discharged home with catheters in place, without adversely affecting infection risk.

scholarly journals Regular testing of asymptomatic healthcare workers identifies cost-efficient SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0258700
Author(s):  
Daniel Sanchez-Taltavull ◽  
Violeta Castelo-Szekely ◽  
Shaira Murugan ◽  
Jonathan I. D. Hamley ◽  
Tim Rollenske ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Implementation Costs ◽  
Sources Of Infection ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Community Infection

Protecting healthcare professionals is crucial in maintaining a functioning healthcare system. The risk of infection and optimal preventive strategies for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic remain poorly understood. Here we report the results of a cohort study that included pre- and asymptomatic healthcare workers. A weekly testing regime has been performed in this cohort since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify infected healthcare workers. Based on these observations we have developed a mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission that integrates the sources of infection from inside and outside the hospital. The data were used to study how regular testing and a desynchronisation protocol are effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19 infection at work, and compared both strategies in terms of workforce availability and cost-effectiveness. We showed that case incidence among healthcare workers is higher than would be explained solely by community infection. Furthermore, while testing and desynchronisation protocols are both effective in preventing nosocomial transmission, regular testing maintains work productivity with implementation costs.

scholarly journals Nurses Perception of Biological Risk

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 44-50
Author(s):  
Rosa Elvira Minchala Urgilés ◽  
Ángel Efraín Palaguachi Tenecela ◽  
Luis Francisco Altamirano Cardenas ◽  
Pedro Carlos Martínez Suárez ◽  
Elvia Narcisa Godoy Durán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Sense Organs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Biological Risk ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Nursing Professionals

Biohazard perception is a process in which the sense organs interact with microorganisms that can cause tissue or multi-organic damage. The risk of infection by biological agents is recognized as one of the most important, especially in nursing professionals. Objective: To identify the perception of nursing personnel on biological risk, in the Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital, Cuenca-Ecuador. Methodology: Cross-sectional, descriptive observational research with a quantitative approach. The sample was 164 nurses. A questionnaire validated in Cuba was used for data collection, and the processing and analysis of the results was carried out in the SPSS v25 programme. Results: 59% were between 20 and 30 years old, 92% were female, 50% were single and 44% were nursing professionals. In relation to the individual, 60% have received little training on biological risk, 59% have received protective measures. In the nature of the risks, 92% do consider the consequences of biological risks, 79% report little information on accidents and incidents in the institution. In risk management, 68 per cent report that few managers and supervisors are aware of current biosecurity resolutions. Conclusion: Nurses have received little biohazard training, are unaware of some of the protective measures and accidents and incidents in the facility. Few administrators and supervisors are trained in bio-safety.

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