scholarly journals The effectiveness of a Comprehensive Device Associated Healthcare-Associated Infections Prevention and Control Program: results of a 3-year program in the Republic of Cyprus

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stelios Iordanou ◽  
Nicos Middleton ◽  
Elizabeth Papathanassoglou ◽  
Lakis Palazis ◽  
VASILIOS RAFTOPOULOS

Abstract Background: Device-associated health care-associated infections (DA-HAIs) are a major threat to patient safety, particularly in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a bundle of infection control measures to reduce DA-HAIs in the ICU of a General Hospital in the Republic of Cyprus, over a three-year period. Methods: We studied 599 ICU patients with length of stay (LOS) for at least 48 hours. Our prospective cohort study was divided into three surveillance phases. VAP, CLABSI, and CAUTI incidence rates, LOS and mortality were calculated before, during and after the infection prevention and control program. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the number of DA-HAI events during the surveillance periods, associated with DA-HAIs prevention efforts. In 2015 (prior to program implementation), the baseline DA-HAIs instances were 43: 16 VAP (10.1/1000 Device Days), 21 (15.9/1000DD) CLABSIs and 6 (2.66/1000DD) CAUTIs, (n=198). During the second phase (2016), CLABSIs prevention measures were implemented and the number of infections were 24: 14 VAP (12.21/1000DD), 4 (4.2/1000DD) CLABSIs & 6 (3.22/1000DD) CAUTIs, (n=184). During the third phase (2017), VAP and CAUTI prevention measure were again implemented and the rates were 6: (3 VAP: 12.21/1000DD), 2 (1.95/1000DD) CLABSIs & 1 (0.41/1000DD) CAUTIs, (n=217). There was an overall reduction of 87% in the total number of DA-HAIs instances for the period 01/01/15 to 31/12/17. Conclusions: The significant overall reduction in DA-HAI rates, indicates that a comprehensive infection control program can affect DA-HAI rates.

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-70
Author(s):  
Ali AlAhdal ◽  
Haila Al-Huraishi ◽  
Ahmad Almalag ◽  
Adel Alrusayes ◽  
Saud M Orfali

Objective: Novel newly discovered coronavirus, also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, is a recently emerging virus that has been rapidly spreading globally since December 2019. Due to the vicinity inoro-dental treatment and aerosol production, people inside the dental office are at high risk of being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. This guideline aims to protect the dental health-care workers during their plans to re-open and increasingly continue their routine services until further notice from their governing body. Methods: A panel of experts in dentistry and infection prevention and control reviewed the local and global research and guidelines related to infection prevention and control during coronavirus disease-2019, along with the re-opening guidance provided by different entities. Results: Such a document might either be adopted or adapted to any regional and international organization that wishes to use a revised professional guideline in infection prevention and control dental services. Conclusion: A careful re-opening plan should be developed and implemented, including strict infection control measures before resuming the dental practice.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingzi Ye ◽  
Peng Shi ◽  
Yonghao Gui ◽  
Albert M. Li ◽  
Guoying Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of training on knowledge and practices of infection prevention and control (IPC) among pediatric health care workers (HCW) in Shanghai, China, in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online training program was designed by the Shanghai Pediatric Clinical Quality Control Center (SPQCC) during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic on disease knowledge and practice of IPC. Training took place in the 81 partner hospitals affiliated with SPQCC. A 25-item self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate knowledge gained from the training. Stratified-random sampling was used to select HCW according to three professionals (i.e., pediatricians, nurses and administrators) within each partner hospital. Awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 and its related infection control and practice was assessed by comparing survey results between different types of hospitals, professionals and professional ranks. A higher survey score meant that the respondent was more prepared and knowledgeable about COVID-19 and its infection control measures. Results: Completed questionnaires were returned from 1,062 subjects (385 pediatricians, 410 nurses, and 267 administrators), giving a response rate of 96.5%. Overall, awareness of clinical information related to COVID-19, importance of personal hygiene and isolation policy was high among the respondents. No statistical difference of scores on knowledge of COVID-19, IPC and relevant practice between the tertiary and peripheral hospitals. Among all respondents, middle-ranked health care personnel were most knowledgeable and achieved the highest score. Conclusions: Majority of pediatric HCW showed good recognition and practice in infection protection and control measures. The online training was able to achieve its aim to enhance knowledge and awareness and could have contributed to the zero infection rate among HCW caring for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Shanghai.


Author(s):  
Lesley T. Bhebhe ◽  
Cornel Van Rooyen ◽  
Wilhelm J. Steinberg

Background: Healthcare-associated tuberculosis (TB) has become a major occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs). HCWs are inevitably exposed to TB, due to frequent interaction with patients with undiagnosed and potentially contagious TB. Whenever there is a possibility of exposure, implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) practices is critical.Objective: Following a high incidence of TB among HCWs at Maluti Adventist Hospital in Lesotho, a study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of HCWs regarding healthcare-associated TB infection and infection controls.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed in June 2011; it involved HCWs at Maluti Adventist Hospital who were involved with patients and/or sputum. Stratified sampling of 140 HCWs was performed, of whom, 129 (92.0%) took part. A self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used.Results: Most respondents (89.2%) had appropriate knowledge of transmission, diagnosis and prevention of TB; however, only 22.0% of the respondents knew the appropriate method of sputum collection. All of the respondents (100.0%) were motivated and willing to implement IPC measures. A significant proportion of participants (36.4%) reported poor infection control practices, with the majority of inappropriate practices being the administrative infection controls (> 80.0%). Only 38.8% of the participants reported to be using the appropriate N-95 respirator.Conclusion: Poor infection control practices regarding occupational TB exposure were demonstrated, the worst being the first-line administrative infection controls. Critical knowledge gaps were identified; however, there was encouraging willingness by HCWs to adapt to recommended infection control measures. Healthcare workers are inevitably exposed to TB, due to frequent interaction with patients with undiagnosed and potentially contagious TB. Implementation of infection prevention and control practices is critical whenever there is a possibility of exposure.


2022 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 2236-41
Author(s):  
Maha Pervaz Iqbal ◽  
Kerry Uebel ◽  
Md. Saiful Islam ◽  
Victoria Jabbour ◽  
Dr. Victoria Jabbour ◽  
...  

Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of medical students regarding standard precautions in an Australian undergraduate medical programme. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: University of New South Wales, Australia, duration of study was six-years. Methodology: Fifty medical students who were involved in clinical practice, were invited to complete a comprehensive questionnaire on standard precautions. Results: The majority of participants agreed that hand hygiene was the most important factor in infection control. Only 32 (16%) knew to use a full personal protective equipment for Ebola. Regarding sharps disposal, 46 (92%) students always disposed used needles in the recommended bin, 27 (54%) indicated they sometimes recapped used needle while 25 (20%) sometimes bent used needles. Conclusion: This study showed that there is a gap between knowledge and practice of medical students regarding hand hygiene and other infection control measures. There is a need for standardized and regular student training in the use of standard precautions in infection prevention and control.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stelios Iordanou ◽  
Elizabeth Papathanassoglou ◽  
Nicos Middleton ◽  
Lakis Palazis ◽  
Chrystalla Timiliotou‐Matsentidou ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fozia Steinkuller ◽  
Kristofer Harris ◽  
Karen J Vigil ◽  
Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner

Abstract As more patients seek care in the outpatient setting, the opportunities for health care–acquired infections and associated outbreaks will increase. Without uptake of core infection prevention and control strategies through formal initiation of infection prevention programs, outbreaks and patient safety issues will surface. This review provides a step-wise approach for implementing an outpatient infection control program, highlighting some of the common pitfalls and high-priority areas.


Author(s):  
Hala A Amer ◽  
Ibrahim A Alowidah ◽  
Chasteffi Bugtai ◽  
Barbara M. Soule ◽  
Ziad A Memish

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rapeephan R. Maude ◽  
Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal ◽  
Sumawadee Skuntaniyom ◽  
Thanomvong Muntajit ◽  
Stuart D. Blacksell ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Key infection prevention and control measures to limit transmission of COVID-19 include social distancing, hand hygiene, use of facemasks and personal protective equipment. However, these have limited or no impact if not applied correctly through lack of knowledge, inappropriate attitude or incorrect practice. In order to maximise the impact of infection prevention and control measures on COVID-19 spread, we undertook a study to assess and improve knowledge, attitudes and practice among 119 healthcare workers and 100 general public in Thailand. The study setting was two inpatient hospitals providing COVID-19 testing and treatment. Detailed information on knowledge, attitudes and practice among the general public and healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 transmission and its prevention were obtained from a combination of questionnaires and observations. Results Knowledge of the main transmission routes, commonest symptoms and recommended prevention methods was mostly very high (> 80%) in both groups. There was lower awareness of aerosols, food and drink and pets as sources of transmission; of the correct duration for handwashing; recommended distance for social/physical distancing; and about recommended types of face coverings. Information sources most used and most trusted were the workplace, work colleagues, health workers and television. The results were used to produce a set of targeted educational videos which addressed many of these gaps with subsequent improvements on retesting in a number of areas. This included improvements in handwashing practice with an increase in the number of areas correctly washed in 65.5% of the public, and 57.9% of healthcare workers. The videos were then further optimized with feedback from participants followed by another round of retesting. Conclusions Detailed information on gaps in knowledge, attitudes and practice among the general public and healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 transmission and its prevention were obtained from a combination of questionnaires and observations. This was used to produce targeted educational videos which addressed these gaps with subsequent improvements on retesting. The resulting videos were then disseminated as a resource to aid in efforts to fight COVID-19 in Thailand and worldwide.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-386
Author(s):  
Candra Dewi Rahayu ◽  
Diah Fitri Purwaningsih ◽  
Ika Silvitasari

The hospital is the health service structure that plays the most prominent role with the Covid-19 pandemic.The nursing profession is still required to provide quality nursing care to Covid-19 patients, as well as to other patients so that the provision of nursing care must be in accordance with the procedures and management of patients with infectious diseases accurately and correctly and use Personal Protection Equipment in accordance with standard. Infection prevention and control during the pandemic is very important for patients and health workers to minimize the occurrence of nosocomial infections during hospital care. This review aims to determine the development of infection prevention and control program in the provision of nursing care during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research method with a review was carried out by searching for articles related to patient safety in providing Covid-19 nursing care. Literatures search were carried out in December 2020 - January 2021 through PubMed, Sciencedirec, google scholar, government policy then entered the online database list by entering keywords, namely patient safety, nursing care, Covid-19. Selected journals were based on inclusion and exclusion criteria through a critical assessment process with CASP to assess the quality of articles. The results of the critical appraisal obtained six articles that match the inclusion criteria with a minimum appraisal score of 85 in good categories which are then carried out by analysts. The results of the research by reviewing 6 articles show that prevention and control of patients safety in providing nursing care during a pandemic can be developed through nursing care management by using summarized checklists, patient safety-based nursing care service system, infection prevention and control during the pandemic and inclusive leadership. Nursing care management, patient safety, infection prevention and control and an inclusive leadership style are the development methods that can be used for the prevention and control of Covid-19.


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